Although children’s reactions will vary with their personalities and ages, a parent’s deployment will almost always cause challenges for children. Parents wonder how the separation will affect their children and how they can help them through this time. The deploying parent wonders how he or she can continue to be a good parent while away; the stay-home parent worries about handling added responsibility. Doing certain steps and activities can help prepare your children for the absence of a parent due to a deployment. These tips are designed to help parents and children connect by building trust and cooperation within the family.

 

First, no matter where you begin, take small steps. Instead of concentrating on the total length of deployment, break up the time into manageable chunks. Military leaders and family readiness groups identify three stages of deployment: pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment and reunion. Second, design your family action plans according to the three deployment stages. Third, be flexible. Change is part of the military lifestyle. Try to be patient if your spouse receives new orders, especially if the departure date is moved up. Do your best to adjust your plans.

• MilitaryKidsConnect.org

• Children of Military Service Members Resource Guide

For more information and additional tips, please visit the following articles on the Real Warriors Campaign Website:

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