Operation Homecoming- Part Two
This is the second post in my “blog mini-series” about the preparation for the much anticipated reunion with my deployed husband. If you want to catch up, check out Operation Homecoming- Part One. Today I want to talk about the kids involved when a spouse is deployed.
Children are affected more than we realize. Not only are their lives impacted with the long separations from a parent, but for our older children, they know exactly what is going on in the Middle East. The reunion between the deployed parent and child cannot be rushed. Some children will shy away from the parent. Other children won’t let that parent out of their sight. That is the problem we have had in the past with our youngest son. He won’t even let Daddy go to the store without him.
These tips are here to help with transitions and to help understand that the reunion process is not always easy and it is more likely for some tensions to occur, than for everything to go smoothly. Remember, everyone is anxiously anticipating the reunion, but at times the reunion can be awkward. This is not unusual.
TIPS FOR CHILDREN:
- Go slowly. The returning parent should adapt to the rules and routines already in place.
- Let the child set the pace for getting to know the returning parent again.
- The returning parent should be available to your child, both with time and with your emotions.
- Delay making changes in rules and routines for a few weeks.
- Focus on successes with your children; limit your criticisms.
- Encourage children to talk with the about what happened during the separation.
- Make individual time for each child.
military children, deployment, military, children
October 8th, 2007 at 10:11 am
It’s such an exciting time, but it has to be such a huge adjustment. I am so excited for you that he’ll finally be home!
October 12th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Wish there had been information like this available when we were going through this. It should be required reading for those returning. It might help a little with the abuse you were also talking about.