In today’s fast-paced world, fostering meaningful connections with our children can be challenging, especially in military families where frequent moves and deployments are a part of life. However, creating opportunities for reflection and bonding doesn’t have to be complicated. By incorporating simple strategies into our daily routines, we can help our kids process their feelings and cherish important memories.
Meet Emily, a military community kid who has moved four times in the past seven years due to her father’s deployments. Each move brought new challenges, from leaving friends behind to adjusting to new schools and neighborhoods. Amidst these transitions, Emily found it increasingly difficult to hold onto happy memories. “I kept forgetting what it felt like to be really happy,” she shared one evening during a family dinner. Her parents, struggling to know what to do, really wanted practical ideas on supporting their child through this kind of thought process.
Here are some tips and tricks to reflect and connect:
Memory Jar Magic
Start a memory jar where each family member writes down their favorite memories on slips of paper. Emily’s family began this tradition after their last move, and now, pulling out memories and sharing stories has become a cherished part of their evenings.
Family Storytime
Set aside a regular time each week for family storytime. Emily’s mom, Sarah, says, “Storytime has become a safe space for Emily to open up about her feelings and remember the good times we’ve had together.”
Photo Flashbacks
Take a trip down memory lane by looking through old photo albums or digital pictures. “We often spend evenings reminiscing over old photos,” says Emily’s dad, Mike. “It helps us reconnect with our past adventures and celebrate how far we’ve come as a family.”
Daily Reflections
Try introducing a “Question of the Day” during meals or bedtime, such as “What made you laugh today?” or “What’s something new you learned?” These prompts encourage conversation and deepen understanding between family members.
Creative Collaboration
Engage in creative activities together, like painting, crafting, or building something as a family. Emily loves crafting with her parents; it’s a time when they laugh, share stories, and create new memories together.
As military families, we navigate unique challenges that can sometimes strain our connections. Yet, by incorporating these simple strategies into our routines, we can nurture stronger bonds with our children and help them navigate the emotions that come with military life. Whether it’s through sharing stories, looking at photos, or simply asking questions, these moments of reflection and connection are essential for our kids’ emotional well-being and our family’s resilience.
Remember, it’s the little moments that often leave the biggest impact. Take the time to reflect, connect, and create memories with your children. Together, we can support our military kids through every transition and celebration, one memory at a time.