All Things Military Spouse

What Is the Right Foundation?

By Megan "Megatron" Buriak

Being part of a military family means navigating a life that’s filled with both pride and challenges. The constant relocations, lengthy deployments, and the ever-present possibility of change create a unique environment that can test even the strongest families. But with the right foundation, military families can thrive, finding stability amid unpredictability and strength in each other. Below are the topics that can help you and your family “Build Your Foundation.”

Communication: Open and honest communication is the cornerstone of a strong family foundation, especially in a military household. Because change is inevitable, setting up routines for talking and checking in with each other can make a world of difference.

Embrace Routines and Flexibility: One of the biggest challenges for military families is finding consistency in a life that’s anything but stable. Having daily routines can provide a comforting sense of normalcy. Simple rituals like having breakfast together, reading a book before bed, or taking an evening walk help family members stay grounded. These small routines reinforce a feeling of “home” no matter where you are stationed. With the military lifestyle, flexibility is also essential. Sometimes, the schedule changes last minute, or you’re packing up sooner than planned. Being flexible doesn’t mean giving up on routines; rather, it means adapting them to fit new environments and changes.

Support: It’s often said that it “takes a village” to raise a family, and that couldn’t be truer for military households. Building a reliable support network, using resources like Military & Family Support Centers, spouse groups, and community events offer great ways to connect with others who understand your lifestyle.

Mental Health and Wellness: Living a military life can be demanding, and prioritizing mental health is critical for every family member. Parents can sometimes feel the need to “stay strong” for their children, but showing vulnerability and prioritizing selfcare is just as important.

Celebrating Traditions: Creating family traditions and celebrating milestones builds a sense of unity and continuity. Traditions give everyone something to look forward to, whether it’s a weekly family movie night, a yearly holiday ritual, or a “welcome home” celebration after deployments. These moments remind families that they’re in this together, and they create memories that remain, no matter where the military takes them.

Connections Through Deployment: Deployments are often one of the toughest parts of military life, and they require intentional efforts to stay connected. Today’s technology makes this easier than ever. Video calls, care packages, and letters are all ways to bridge the distance. Many families create memory books, photo albums, or special keepsakes to remind everyone of shared moments. Before a deployment, setting up routines for communication can help ease anxiety. Decide together how often you’ll communicate, whether through weekly video calls or daily texts.

Resilience: At the heart of a strong foundation lies resilience—the ability to face challenges and adapt. Military families are some of the most resilient people out there, continuously adapting to new environments, cultures, and situations. Cultivating resilience is a team effort; it means supporting each other, lifting each other up, and staying focused on the bigger picture.

Being part of a military family isn’t always easy, but with “Building Your Foundation,” it’s possible to thrive. Remember, military families are among the most resilient, adaptable, and resourceful. Each experience, each move, and each deployment only adds to the strength of your foundation.