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Reconnecting With Your Children
Reconnecting With Your Children
If you’re a returning service man or woman who is also a parent, you probably carried
a mental picture of how your homecoming would be. It may have included
your baby uttering his or her first “Daddy” or “Mama,” your toddler running towards you with outstretched arms, or your older child
huddling close and begging to hear about your experiences. Such expectations
may lead to disappointment. Because what sometimes happens is an initial
display of happiness on the child ’s part followed by sulky, withdrawn or even hostile behavior.
To understand why this happens, you must first realize that even just a few months
seem like a lifetime to a child, and children instinctively adjust to
new situations. They adjusted to you not being around. Now, they need
time to adjust to having you around again.
Your child’s reactions depend on his or her own personality, but there are several things
that all returning parents should keep in mind:
- Tell your
children how much you missed them and how happy you
are to see them again. It may seem like they should know this, but they need to hear it from you.
- Praise them
for helping out while you were gone. Children are unsure what to expect from a returning parent. For example, they
may fear they will be punished for six months’ of bad behavior. They may also fear you’ll “abandon” them again. Put their minds at rest.
- Remember
that change is just as stressful for children as it
is for adults – probably more so because they have so little experience coping with it. Sometimes
they act out. Remember this before you punish your
child.
- Don’t
expect the same behavior. He or she has grown physically, emotionally and socially. This is not the same
child as when you left.
- Try to avoid
power struggles with both your spouse and your children. Take it slowly as you, and they, readjust to your presence.
- Be patient. This
period of transition will last several weeks – and it can be awkward. You can ease this by reviewing schoolwork, looking at
family photos or asking your children about their activities.
- Allow them
to express their feelings. Don’t try to force positive responses. Preschoolers may act coolly toward you. Acting
aggressively or disinterested is their way of showing
their hurt and anger at you for leaving. This behavior,
though unsettling, usually doesn’t last long. Just tell them how much you missed them, and how you’re looking forward to hearing about the things they did while you were away.
- You can
use the same strategies with older children. Express interest in their schoolwork and social activities, and make them feel
a part of your life by telling them about your own
experiences. Older children usually understand war
and deployment a little better than younger ones, but
this doesn’t mean they didn’t miss you. Tell them how much you missed them.
Of Special Importance to New Fathers
If you were away for the birth or the first year of your baby’s
life, you’ll be coming home to a whole new family. Be aware of the changes:
- You may
feel jealous of the attention given to the infant or
guilty for being away during the pregnancy and birth. Accept two facts: the separation was inevitable, and the infant’s needs demand attention. Take an active role in caring for the child as soon
as possible.
- Baby’s
needs come first, and they’re expensive. Be prepared for a much tighter budget.
- Other children
may feel lost with all the changes and need help coping. Make sure to spend quality time with your older children.
Of Special Importance to Single Parents
In addition to the joy and stress all parents feel when returning to children
after a long absence, single parents may feel particularly anxious about
the bond formed by the child and the temporary caregiver. How will it affect
their relationship with both of them? Here are some tips:
- Communicate
openly and frequently with both the caregiver and the
child.
- Involve
the caregiver in the transition. Forcing the child to suddenly separate can be just as traumatic as when you
left.
- Ask how
things were done while you were gone. It will help you plan how to ease your child back into your rules and schedules.
- Ask your
child about his or her feelings regarding your “new” relationship and how life at home should be. The changes in caregivers and living arrangements may make children feel as though
they have no control over their lives. Assure them
that you will be a family again.