Building Military Communities: Connection Strategies for Frequently Relocating Families with Meg & Brett Reichert

Olivia Wahl

23 September 2024

Join host Olivia Wahl as she sits down with Meg and Brett Reichert, a military family navigating the unique challenges and unexpected joys of frequent relocation. In this heartfelt episode of Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies, the Reicherts open up about: The realities of moving 6-9 times during a child's K-12 educationStrategies for helping kids build friendships across distances  Balancing career purpose with family needsAdapting parenting styles to different communitiesFinding stability amidst constant changeMeg, a health and wellness coach, and Brett, an Army officer pursuing a Ph.D., share candid insights on raising two young boys while embracing a nomadic lifestyle. Their story illuminates the resilience of military families and offers valuable perspectives on creating "home" wherever you land. Whether you're a military family yourself or simply curious about this unique way of life, this episode provides an intimate look at the sacrifices, adventures, and unexpected gifts of frequently uprooting your family for service. Meg and Brett offer several strategies for managing life as a military family with frequent moves: Community Building:Joining local mom's Facebook groups to gather information about the new areaResearching and enrolling in summer camps for kids before movingJoining gyms or fitness groups to meet like-minded people and build communityMaintaining Connections:Using social media to stay in touch with friends from previous locationsSetting up video game accounts for kids to play with distant family members and friendsEncouraging pen pal relationships for childrenEducation and Transition:Researching school districts and academic standards before movingCommunicating with teachers about the unique needs of military childrenFocusing on the quality of education and community fit rather than just test scoresHome Setup:Prioritizing setting up the children's rooms quickly to provide a sense of familiarity and stabilityCreating a "home base" feeling in each new locationEmotional Support:Framing moves as adventures to help children view them positivelyHaving open conversations about the challenges and benefits of their lifestyleEncouraging acceptance and adaptability in different communitiesContinuity in Interests:Researching opportunities to continue children's hobbies in new locations (e.g., horseback riding for their son)Parenting Approach:Adapting parenting styles to fit into new communities while maintaining core family valuesBalancing work commitments with family time (e.g., Brett consistently putting the kids to bed)Preparing for Moves:Involving children in discussions about potential future locationsReflecting on positive aspects of previous homes to create excitement for new possibilitiesThese strategies focus on maintaining stability, building connections, and fostering resilience in both parents and children as they navigate frequent relocations. #MilitaryFamily #MilKids #ArmyLife #FrequentMoves #MilitarySpouse #ParentingOnTheMove #ResilienceInKids #MilitaryCommunity #ServiceAndSacrifice #AdventureLifestyle #BalancingCareerAndFamily #MakingFriendsOnTheGo #EducationAcrossBorders #MilitaryChildEducation #AdaptableKids When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.