Relocation, The Internet
And Your Children
by Brettani Webb

The lifestyle that a military family lives can be more than difficult at times. One of the most difficult aspects is felt during periods of relocation. This time can be especially trying for children who are required to adjust to new friends, schools and cities. With new trends in education and the widespread ability for Internet access these adjustments don't need to be as harsh. We all know what an invaluable tool the Internet is to the average family, but what experts have found is that children of mobile military families tend to benefit from its use in more ways than the average child.

Children that move frequently tend to go to one extreme or the other of social development. More often than not, these kids display a reluctance to get attached and make real friendships. E-mail has now become a tool that allows these children to keep in touch with close playmates. No longer do they need to "give up" valued friendships when they need to relocate. Not only can they keep in touch with friends, but they can also contact family members, favorite teachers or other influential people in their life. Being able to connect with cherished friends encourages children to open the door to new relationships. It is also sure to help decrease any budding resentment towards parents or authority figures when told they need to leave…again.

There are a few important tips to keep in mind when giving your child e-mail access. Here are a few ideas on how to do it and what to watch out for.

• Set up a personal e-mail account and let them create their own username.
• Sit down with your children and teach them how to use the e-mail program and instant messaging. Discuss how important it is not to give out any personal information about yourself, and that strangers online are the same as talking to strangers in person…you don't.
• Talk to the parents of your child's friends to see if they can set up accounts for their children as well.
• Show your children what sites would be good for them to access. Help them create a favorites file with links to educational sites, school information and things of personal interest.
• Be sure to set up parental blocks on your child's incoming mail and Internet access to filter out any unwanted information. You can research this type of software by doing an online search for kid browsers.

Another benefit of the Internet for military families is the ability to search for information on their new location before they get there. They can also use the tool to get information on the places they used to live in as well. For example, your child can keep up with scores, highlights and credits of their school's sports team or find out the results of local contests, etc. Just like you, your children want to grow roots.

The Internet also allows for your child to keep in touch with family members. A great project you and your child could do together is set up a family's web site to post current pictures, news and information about your family's activities. This is an exciting way for your children to get "into" moving into the new house. Let them take pictures of their new room, home, new favorite places to eat or visit and put them online. For more information and a free website visit: Geocities.

Any alternative to a child's pain is worth trying, so do your homework and decide if these ideas can be a helpful avenue for your family to pursue. Be encouraged by the fact that the educators in our country are recognizing the unique challenges that children in military families face. They are instilling new methods in our country's schools specified to those particular needs. They have chosen to acknowledge and advocate our children's requirements for a healthy self-image as well as education. Making the Internet available to your children will help facilitate our educator's quest to leave no child behind. For more details on this subject, go to No Child Left Behind.