Are you on the move this summer? We know the summer holidays are often a time for the big move in military lives. We know lots of you will be facing a house move this summer and children will be starting at a different school. Please don’t forget that we are here to help you navigate through and help to support your little troopers.

Louise, founder of our charity said, “The summer holidays are often the best time for big military moves. We have so many resources to help your family through these hectic and challenging times. We wanted to put together a summary so you can access everything easily.”

Moving home

We know that getting the family involved in a move can help them process the change in their life. Some teenagers told us in our SQUAD podcast that as children they always wanted to know the plan. They didn’t like it when their parents sprung surprises, like a move, on them. Here are a few of the resources you will find on our website to help:

• For practical help, you will find some great moving labels in our Crafty Little Troopers They are easy to print out and great for the kids to colour in while you are trying to pack everything!
• Moving home can be tough on our little troopers, so in our Therapy section, you will find a video to watch with your family. It explores how they may be feeling about moving home/ school and suggest some ways of coping with the change. You can find the video here (scroll down the page).
• Our x-ray of feelings picture specifically for moving home can help you continue the conversation. The colourful picture is perfect for little ones who may not be sure what they are feeling. There is also an activity sheet that has been created by an educational psychologist to help you.
• Leaving friends can be especially hard. Our Little Troopers Letters pack was created to help treasure special friendships. Writing letters is so much fun and everyone loves to receive something in the post! If you are moving in the next four – six weeks you can apply for a pack for your military child.

Moving school

Moving schools can be one of the most frustrating things for our children. While the curriculum is similar across the UK, you may find that your child learns about the Romans three times and never finds out about the Vikings.  You want to ensure that your child keeps learning. There is lots you can do to help your child and school, here are a few resources to help:

• Take a look at our handy moving school checklist. All the questions you need the answers for, in one place.
• Ensure that your new school knows about our Little Trooper at School project.
• We also have an x-ray of feelings picture about starting a new school. Use the activity sheet to talk through your child’s feelings about their new school.
• Our Transition chit can be completed and given to your child’s new teacher to help them in the first few days.
• There are more schools resources in our Parent School information sheets section, just click here.

Louise adds, “We hope that some or all of the resources here can help make the move easier. Just remember to be kind to yourself and try to have a break or a quiet cuppa at some point.”