When you think of building a family, you likely think of setting down roots, being there for all the important moments, gatherings with the family, and everything else that comes with creating a home. Routines become common in many families, but this doesn’t hold true for our service members and their families.

Disruption and unpredictability are a common part of military service and create a unique set of challenges for our service members and their families. Despite these challenges, it’s possible to thrive when you’re trying to settle down while you’re in the military, whether you’re getting married or welcoming new additions to your family unit.

What Unique Challenges Do Military Families Face?

Every family faces challenges, but the difficulties military families face are unique in nature. Whether you’re married and have children or are living with just your spouse, you’ll encounter a wide range of trials and tribulations throughout your career, especially if both you and your spouse are serving. Some of the most common challenges military families face include:

●Long periods away from family during deployments or other military operations.

●Stress and anxiety during wartime or deployments.

●Increased risk of mental health conditions.

●Frequent moves to a new location, including those across state lines or overseas.

●Losing connections to support networks during moves.

●Missing important moments when away from home for long periods.

Military spouses and their children also face unique challenges of their own. Having to relocate and leave everything behind, sometimes more than once, can create an immense amount of stress. And when their loved one is deployed, these stressors can become even more significant.

Learning the appropriate ways to cope with these challenges and stressors is critical to ensure your family is thriving during your military career. Every family unit is different and handles tension and stress in its own way, so make sure you’re taking the time to listen to each other's concerns and find the solutions that are appropriate for your situation.

How Military Families Can Overcome These Challenges

While military families face many challenges, they are possible to overcome and conquer. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you face these difficulties head-on so you and your family can find the peace and prosperity you deserve.

1. Communicate and Listen

One of the most important things you can do is to maintain an open line of communication. Talking openly and honestly is important in every family, but it’s even more critical in military families. For example, service members can deploy overseas to potentially dangerous locations, which can cause worry, stress, and anxiety among their family members.

Take the time to get together as a family and discuss what everyone is feeling, whether it’s about a deployment, PCS, or a big change in your career. Leaving your family in the dark will only worsen the situation and can cause excess tension in your relationships. Share with your spouse what your job allows so you can work together to create a game plan and come to a solution.

2. Find Community Support

Military families can find support from the military families stationed in the same location as they are. Other military families understand the challenges you’re facing and can give credible advice, especially if it’s your first time going through something like a deployment or trying to adjust after PCSing.

You can find other military families through fellow troops in your unit or support groups, in person and online. These groups or fellow families can also point you in the right direction regarding specific resources you and your loved ones may need. Having people you know you can rely on can help relieve stress and make you feel more connected with your family.

3. Understand That Change Can and Will Happen

Part of the military lifestyle is that change is expected, whether it’s a deployment that takes you away from home for months on end or a move to a new state or even a new country. These changes are all too common in the military and out of your control. If you accept what can’t be changed, it will be easier to focus on what you can change, such as a routine or new traditions.

There are different steps you can take to make moving to a duty station easier or to prepare for a deployment. It’s especially important to take steps to maintain a routine if you have children since it can be more difficult for military children to cope with these challenges.

4. Seek Resiliency Training

If you and your family are having challenges or want to preemptively prepare, you should consider resiliency training through the Families OverComing Under Stress Project (FOCUS). Resiliency training helps you learn different skills to help you handle challenging situations more effectively, such as those you’ll experience as part of a military family unit. Some of the skills you’ll learn include:

●Emotional regulation

●Problem-solving

●Communication

●Managing stress

●Goal-setting

Families who participate in resilience training programs together will develop the skills they need to overcome the challenges of military lifestyles. You’ll also spend valuable time bonding together while working on self-growth, which is always a good thing.

5. Stay Positive

One of the best things you can do in challenging times is to remain positive. Rather than focusing on the negatives or what could go wrong, try to stay focused on the good things in your life. A stable career, financial stability, time with family, and a supportive community are all good things that you can focus on when things get hard.

A part of being positive means showing appreciation for your loved ones rather than criticizing them. It can be hard to be in a military family, and navigating these challenges can take a toll without the proper support system. Take the time to focus on the positives with your family and thank them for what they do and the support they provide.

If you feel like the stress is getting out of hand, you can do things with your family that keep your mind busy and your loved ones engaged. For example, you can take a hike with your family or enjoy a relaxing picnic. Try something new or what you know your family loves so you can build positive memories together during challenging times.

6. Seek Help When You Need It

There’s no shame in getting help if you need it. Military families can easily access professional help at their installation’s community service center or family support center. These resources provide counseling, crisis intervention, referrals, and a wide range of other resources to help military families. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness, but shows that you’re willing to show up for your family and put in the work to overcome the challenges of military life.

7. Remember to Take Care of Yourself

You can’t effectively manage stressors affecting yourself and your family if you’re overwhelmed. Remember to take care of yourself and your needs. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising, and spending enough time doing what you love. When you’re at your best both physically and mentally, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the challenges you experience as a family.

Trust MLC to Support You During Your Military Career

Military Luggage Company can’t solve the challenges your family faces, but we can make it easier to navigate your operations when you have a reliable bag by your side. When you’re using a high-quality bag, you can trust it will help you in your operations, reducing your stress and allowing you to complete your tasks more efficiently. With less stress, you can spend more time focused on conquering your familial challenges.

We offer a wide range of bags, packs, and cases for a wide range of applications. Choose from bags like backpacks, rucksacks, duffles, loadout bags, garment bags, and so much more. Feel more prepared with a high-quality bag by your side so you can focus on what matters most. Get started by browsing our complete selection, or contact us with any questions!