Skip to main content

Supporting your Child through Armed Forces Family Life

First Steps

This guide supports parents of babies and young children navigating Armed Forces family life. It recognises both the challenges and strengths that come with change, separation, and transition.

The resource offers simple, nurturing approaches to help children feel safe, secure, and understood, while also supporting parent wellbeing.

It includes practical guidance on how to:

  • Keep early learning settings informed and involved
  • Support children through separation and reunion
  • Navigate moves and new beginnings
  • Build routines, stability, and emotional security
  • Strengthen connections between home and early learning
  • Support wellbeing for both children and parents

This resource was developed in partnership with Early Years Scotland.

Download the resource


The First Steps Project was funded by