Deployment is tough on the whole family, not just the person who is deploying. That’s why it’s important to prepare in the days, weeks, and even months leading up to deployment. When many people think of the backbone of the family, they think of mom. That’s because moms are known to do so much. They care for the family, cook, clean, provide encouragement, and work inside and even outside the home. Moms can be soldiers too. If a mom is preparing to deploy, then it’s time for the man to step up and care for the home and family.
Get as Much Done as Possible Before Mom Leaves
Before mom leaves for deployment, it’s time to prepare. There are a few ways that the transition can be made easier on dad and the children. The family should stock the house with essentials when it comes to groceries and food. Consider making batches of freezer meals to help get through the coming months without mom. Finally, have the whole family do a deep cleaning of the house while mom is away. It helps to get things done before mom deploys because that’s just one extra set of hands that are around.
Make Sure Children Have Options to Communicate
The chances are that dads and the children will miss mom while she’s away on deployment. There are a few ways to make this easier. Kids can send letters and assemble care packages to send to mom. Every so often, soldiers are also allowed to make phone calls. To help children prepare for these calls, have them make a list of a few things they want to talk about. That helps to keep the conversation concise, and it helps them to remember what they want to say. Care packages can be sent at any time. The whole family can get together to shop for snacks and make cards for mom.
Remind Yourself and Your Family of the Benefits
While mom is away, it can be easy to feel down about the situation. That’s why dad needs to remind himself and his family of all the good that mom is doing. First, she’s positively serving her country. Secondly, there are many benefits to the family. These benefits include the GI bill, healthcare, the VA home loan, and more. All of these benefits don’t just directly help out mom, they help out the whole family.
One Day at a Time
Families just have to remember to take it one day at a time. Deployments are temporary and will eventually come to an end. Once mom returns, families then have to be her support system as she reacclimates to civilian life. Transitions are hard, but if the whole family works together, things are easier. Having a deployed parent can affect a child’s mental health. Some things, such as equine therapy, can help alleviate any issues resulting from the deployment.
Deployment can be a scary time for all involved, but with trust, love, and encouragement, children can feel confident that Mom is out protecting the world from the bad guys. If you have any questions or concerns for your kids before your next deployment, contact me now!
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