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Leaving the military can be a challenging transition for you and your family. You should prepare adequately for the change and do what you can to make it a smooth one. This should include ensuring your family’s financial, physical, and emotional health to best adapt to civilian life.
You should spend time together as a family and build strong bonds, particularly if you have been deployed and separated from your family for long periods. This article will discuss some of the best ways military families can adapt to civilian life.
Adapt to Civilian Life
Get Married
Getting married can help show commitment to your partner and give you both something to plan and look forward to. Invite close friends and family to share the day with you. Get your kids involved and give them roles in your wedding.
Spend Quality Time Together
Carve out time to spend as a family. Go for a camping trip or vacation abroad. Do activities to help you bond, like scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, or learning a new sport. Cook meals together and gather to eat as a family.
Improve Your Financial Literacy
Boost your financial literacy to manage the transition from military salary to the private sector. Ensure you understand how and when to apply for credit and start saving for a home of your own.
Build Your Civilian Support System
Start building a network of friends and family to rely on once you leave the military. Stay in touch with buddies from the military. Get advice from others who have left the service on expanding your civilian support system.
Continue Your Education
Return to education to boost your employability. Consider completing a bachelor’s degree or a vocational course. Pursue your interests to find the right career.
Buy A Property
Buy a permanent home base to give your family stability. Choose a property with plenty of space to grow. Consider getting a VA loan, which allows qualifying veterans to buy a home without a down payment. Choose a reliable home loan provider like Hero Loan.
Find New Hobbies And Interests
Experiment with new hobbies to occupy your free time. Try something therapeutic, like needlepoint, woodworking, or yoga. Learn about mindfulness and meditation to help combat stress.
Find A Job You Love
Find a job before you leave the military. Choose something you will enjoy. If you are unsure what you want to do, find something temporary while deciding.
Build Structure In Your Daily Life
Military life is highly structured. Ensure a smooth transition by building a daily routine to stick to. Wake up and go to sleep at the same time daily to ensure good sleep habits. Schedule your time as much as possible.
Talk To A Therapist
Mental health issues are common among ex-servicepeople. Transitioning from military to civilian life can cause or exacerbate mental health problems. Talk to a therapist if you are concerned about your mental health. Learn about healthy coping mechanisms. Look for resources aimed at veterans.
Start Family Traditions
Start new family traditions. Consider something for each season, such as camping trips in the summer. Create a signature family dish and other family bonding traditions.
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