Deployment is a stressful time for all family members, especially children. Preparing children for a parent's return during this time of uncertainty can help ease their stress. Use the checklist below as a guide for preparing children for their deployed parent's return.
As a Parent, I:
___ Help my children count down the days.
___ Tell my children what I can about the deployed parent's return.
___ Allow my children to ask questions and give open and honest answers in words they can understand.
___ Show patience when my children ask the same questions and I repeat the same answers.
___ Encourage my children to share feelings through words, play, drawings, etc.
___ Remind my children that everyone has changed while the deployed parent has been away and that it might take time for everyone to adjust to being together again.
___ Realize that my children might feel and display a variety of emotions during this time.
___ Remind my children that some rules may change once the deployed parent returns.
___ Watch for signs of stress in my children (nightmares; excessive worry; anxiety about being away from home; anxiety about going to school or other activities; stomach aches, headaches; withdrawal; lack of interest; acting out; and sudden changes in eating or sleeping habits).
___ Seek professional help, if needed.
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