May 18, 2022

  Military life is gratifying, but it's not for the faint of heart. New military families have to quickly learn how to get comfortable with the unpredictability of the lifestyle, and a PCS move is one of the most common (and sometimes unpredictable) changes a family can undergo. Most military…...

April 27, 2022

  Military life can be hard on the entire family unit. But it can be especially difficult for military teens who understand the complexities of moving and really feel the stress of constant changes in cities, schools, and social life. Military teens worry — a lot. While it’s already challenging…...

April 6, 2022

  Operation Hero is a free military after-school program for kids in grades 2-8, designed to help students cope and adjust to the unique challenges they face. Nicole, a military spouse and teacher for Operation Hero in Ft. Bragg, shares four ways the program helps kids and their parents. A Military After-School Program Provides Stability for Kids…...

March 4, 2022

  Children who grow up in military families have unique experiences compared to their civilian peers. They move frequently, spend extended periods of time away from their parents during deployment and training periods, and get indirect exposure to war, conflict and violence, often at a young age. So what does…...

March 4, 2022

  It is fairly common knowledge that military families relocate more often than most other families. But how often do military families move? According to the U.S. Department of Defense, military families move about every two to four years — sometimes even more frequently. What is rarely talked about is…...

February 16, 2022

  Military life comes with its difficulties, and one major challenge is deployment. Deployments can have a significant impact on kids, highlighting some of the negative effects of growing up in a military family. When a parent is absent due to deployment, children can experience a range of emotions, including…...

November 23, 2021

As military families struggle to provide normalcy for their kids, Operation Hero is here to help. There was a little boy. His name was Silas, and Silas was painfully shy. “This is the first time Silas has ever had friends,” said his dad. “We’re a military family and while we were…...

August 11, 2016

  When the weather is nice, kids have a fantastic opportunity to dive into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities. These activities are not only fun but also incredibly helpful for learning. They teach kids how things work and spark their curiosity about the world around them. When kids…...

July 25, 2016

  If you paid a daycare center, babysitter, summer camp, or other care provider to care for a qualifying child under age 13 or a disabled dependent of any age, you may qualify for a tax credit of up to 35 percent of qualifying expenses of $3,000 for one child…...

July 9, 2016

  Turn your permanent change of station into a trip full of memories by making sure you hand carry important items. Keep those irreplaceable items with you — not with the mover. Don't forget anything. Double-check it, and then check it again. Essential documents like orders and birth certificates Medications…...