Advice from Moms who've been there....

From IreneMcClure:

Hey mom's of future sailors! Welcome toyour new family-My daughter has been in for 2 yrs.this Jan.You will get alot of support from here-so if you have questions please ask-you won't know the answer until someone ask.Do not send any packages while they are in bc-just letters or pictures make sure the envelope lays flat.When my daughter left she wore jeans-shirt and took an extra shirt for the next day-travel size toothpaste-deoderant-toothbrush-her sailors Bible with pictures(family and best friend picture) inside blank pages-she used one of those very small back packs-in the first week they will be getting their focus back to why they are there-then they will move to their barracks they live in for the next 8 weeks-They need to stay focused-they will learn the Do's-N-Don'ts.They will write on Sundays-You will recieve a box within the 2 weeks and don't be alarmed -it will consist of the stuff they had with them when they left-be patient with your child-be supportive of that child-in about 4weeks you will recieve a package of the PIR date and what to do-when they say the gate open at 5:30a.m.. be there-the line grows fast-The kids will be able to order their pictures-book(year book)-cd-mine got all of it-make sure the better the kids pay attention and learn the better it will be for them-they will use the Navy Federal Banks-we have our daughters cell phone on military freeze-you don't get billed for it and they will get to keep their number for later use.As parents we need to stay busy-if you don't have a hobby fine one-the busier you stay the better off you will be-make sure your child knows a phone number that they can always use to get intouch with you-our child uses my husband's cell phone or her brothers-I work for a local highschool and in some of my classes are dead zones.I know this is kind of long reading but it's important for us and our kids.I hope I have helped you out-yes my sailor has her own insurance through the Navy-it's cheaper.Take lots of pictures-when you go places-family -pets-the kids really look forward to having them.I do scrapbooking(hobby)-go to the meet/greets for your area-meet some of these other parents-we really have a great time.you are more than welcome to look at my page. Best of luck for you and your family-May God bless ya'll