Deployment is one of the most challenging aspects of military life, not just for the service member but also for their family. The absence of a parent, especially for extended periods, can bring emotional, logistical, and psychological challenges. However, with the right approach and support system in place, families can navigate this difficult time with resilience. Here’s how to support your family during a parent’s deployment.
1. Prepare Your Family for Deployment
Open and honest communication is key to ensuring your family feels supported before, during, and after the deployment. Here are some steps to take:
- Explain the situation: Have age-appropriate conversations with your children about why you’re being deployed and what to expect. Let them know you’ll miss them, but explain the importance of your mission and reassure them that they’ll be okay.
- Establish routines: Consistent routines offer a sense of stability. Before leaving, set up daily and weekly schedules for meals, homework, bedtime, and activities. This predictability helps children feel secure.
- Involve the other parent or caregiver: Ensure your spouse or caregiver is familiar with daily routines, school schedules, extracurricular activities, and any other important responsibilities. Communication between both parents is vital to avoid stress and confusion.
- Provide comfort items: Leave behind small mementos, like a family photo or recorded message, to help children feel connected to you during your absence.
2. Maintain Communication During Deployment
Though physical distance is a reality of deployment, modern technology allows families to stay connected in meaningful ways:
- Set up regular communication: Depending on the deployment’s location and security conditions, establish regular times for phone calls, video chats, or emails. Even a simple message can reassure family members and maintain bonds.
- Create a deployment calendar: A visual countdown to your return can help children grasp the length of your deployment. Mark milestones like holidays, birthdays, or special family events, so they can look forward to your return.
- Send care packages or letters: Written letters or recorded video messages create lasting memories and help children feel special. Encourage them to send letters or artwork back to you, fostering a two-way connection.
3. Provide Emotional Support for Children
Children of military families can experience a range of emotions during deployment, from sadness and anger to confusion and anxiety. Being proactive in addressing these emotions helps them cope:
- Encourage open dialogue: Let your children know it’s okay to express their feelings. Whether they feel scared, angry, or sad, creating a safe space for them to talk will help prevent emotional bottling.
- Seek professional support: Military families often have access to counseling services through organizations like Military OneSource. If your child is showing signs of stress, anxiety, or depression, consider reaching out to a counselor.
- Use books and resources: There are many children’s books and resources that explain military deployments in an age-appropriate way. Reading together can help children understand the situation better and provide comfort.
4. Support the Spouse or Caregiver at Home
The spouse or caregiver left at home often bears the brunt of managing daily tasks and handling emotional stress. Here’s how you can support them, even from afar:
- Create a support network: Encourage your spouse to lean on friends, family, or military support groups for help. Military communities often have resources like spouse groups or Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) that offer practical and emotional support.
- Check in frequently: When possible, check in with your spouse about how they’re coping. Knowing that you care and are engaged, even from a distance, can make a big difference.
- Make long-term plans: Help your spouse feel secure by preparing for potential challenges ahead of time. Whether it’s budgeting, handling household emergencies, or managing school activities, having a plan in place will ease the burden.
5. Reintegration After Deployment
The end of a deployment is a joyous occasion, but it also brings unique challenges as the family readjusts. Here’s how to make the transition smoother:
- Ease back into family life: Don’t expect everything to return to normal overnight. Take time to reestablish relationships, understanding that both you and your family members may have changed during the deployment.
- Reconnect with your children: Spend quality time with each family member. Rebuild connections through shared activities, open conversations, and by giving each child individual attention.
- Offer patience and understanding: Reintegration can be overwhelming for both the service member and their family. Approach the process with patience and be willing to seek help if needed.
Conclusion
While deployment is undoubtedly a challenging time for families, proactive planning and consistent communication can ease the stress and help everyone remain connected. By preparing your family emotionally, maintaining strong bonds while apart, and offering support during reintegration, military families can come through deployment stronger and more united.
Remember, you are not alone. The military community offers a wealth of resources, from counseling services to support groups, all designed to help families navigate the challenges of deployment. Reach out, stay connected, and trust in your family’s resilience.
Article Written By: HelpVet
Photo Credit: Canva
