Jen McDonald

Jen McDonald is an experienced editor and longtime writer for both the military spouse and homeschooling worlds. She’s been published in numerous national publications and several books, including Chicken Soup for the Soul. She and her now retired Air Force husband have lived all over the world and have four children, one who is now also serving in the Air Force. The author of the bestselling book You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse and the host of the Milspouse Matters podcast, Jen loves to encourage and connect with other military spouses at jenmcdonald.net, on Facebook at facebook.com/jenmcdonaldwriter, and on Twitter and Instagram as @jenmcdonald88

Military Families Make Holiday Memories Around the World

When you’re stationed overseas, the holidays are an amazing time to immerse yourself in your new culture. After all, embracing… Read More

Every Day Matters

Founder of Charliemadison Originals shares her advice on entrepreneurship and working from home. Wendy Hively is a veteran military spouse,… Read More

This is What We Love About You, Military Dad: In the Words of Military Spouses

Is there an amazing dad in your life? This month, we’re excited to recognize all the great military dads out… Read More

From Military Spouse to Parent of Active Duty: 3 Tips for Making the Transition

My husband had served on active duty for over 25 years when our oldest son Matthew announced that he’d decided… Read More

17 Military Spouse Podcasts You Should Listen to ASAP

Whether you’re addicted to true crime, can’t miss your weekly wellness and nutrition shows, or have followed This American Life… Read More

What Military Spouse Self-Care Actually Looks Like

Creative dinners with the last remnants of your pantry (ramen and mustard surprise, anyone?), overseeing the movers, cramming a forgotten… Read More

Looking Back at My Milspouse Journey: What I’d Wish I’d Known

It’s now been a couple of years since my husband retired from 31 years of active military service. I was… Read More

10 Military Spouse Benefits to Keep in Mind in 2019

As a “seasoned” military spouse, I love conversations with younger spouses because their enthusiasm is energizing! And in the course… Read More

7 Reasons I’m Thankful Even Though I’ll Be Alone on Thanksgiving

I shuffled into the dark kitchen in the early morning, like so many Thanksgivings before in our married life. As… Read More

Does Military Deployment Get Easier with Each One?

I’ll never forget my husband’s first military deployment to Iraq. Scheduled to leave a couple of days after Christmas, the… Read More

Picking a Military Child Care Provider for Your Family

Finding military child care as a family is no easy feat. While your old high school or college friends may… Read More

Scam Alert! The Top 5 Scams that Hurt Military Families

It seems so urgent. You receive a call saying your deployed or traveling military member has lost their ID, needs… Read More

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Geo-baching When Your Service Member Gets Orders

For many military families, PCS season is an exciting time, an event involving the whole family as they get news… Read More

Can I Get Unemployment Compensation as a Military Spouse?

Can I Get Unemployment As a Military Spouse? The first time I had to give notice at a job due… Read More

Fact or Fiction? Tricare Covers Tummy Tucks, LASIK, & Boob Jobs…

We’ve all heard the rumors, typically pronounced with some authority: “Military spouses can choose ONE plastic surgery covered by TRICARE.”… Read More

Why Can’t I Get Male Spouses to Attend Military Spouse Events?

Longtime military spouse and contributor to Militaryspouse.com, Jen McDonald has a brand new Q&A for military spouses on her website,… Read More

I’m Not Ignoring You. I’m Just Getting By.

Dear Friends and Family, It’s not you. It’s me. No, this isn’t a break up letter, but rather an attempt… Read More

We’re Moving AGAIN? But It’s My Senior Year!

Our household goods had finally arrived from our recent overseas move after several months of the limbo of extended temporary… Read More