How to Talk to Your Child About Deployment
Celebrate Your Hero Together by Sending a Military Care Package
It’s hard to be a military parent, but deployment makes it even harder, not just to raise your children, but dealing with the emotions that come with being deployed. There are a few things you can do to help prepare your children for an upcoming deployment, and it’s best to start the conversation early.
Preparing for Deployment: It’s All About Talking
We know that you’re busy making deployment plans, arranging childcare, examining finances, and more. Add getting your child ready for a period of absence to the list of your responsibilities.
-Reach out to your military parent support groups. It’s likely a parent has been deployed before; they can give you an idea of what to expect.
-Talk to your children’s teachers and other important adults in their lives to alert them about the upcoming deployment.
-Start talking about deployment in front of your children, using terms they’ll understand. Explain what deployment is and why it happens.
-Answer any questions your children pose to you about deployment, making sure you stay positive in your words and actions.
-The deploying parent should plan one-on-one activities with the children during the weeks leading up to deployment.
-Make a plan on how you’ll stay in touch while you’re deployed. The parent staying home with the children can talk about mailing deployment care packages full of treats and snacks.
-Prepare your children for changes in household routines by talking about new routines in advance.
-Keep your goodbyes brief, but meaningful.
During Deployment: It’s All About Keeping in Touch
Being separated from a parent during deployment can be hard on children. Keeping in touch and being positive can make the time pass more quickly.
-Write letters, make phone calls if possible, and send an armed forces care package to your loved one in the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Navy, or National Guard.
-The parent at home should maintain a schedule and routine as much as possible while following household rules just as before. Don’t change bedtimes, don’t tolerate behaviors you wouldn’t have tolerated before, and continue asking children to help with some household chores.
-Turn to your community resources, child psychologists, and school counselors if your children are struggling. Don’t wait for a big meltdown to take action.
Stay Connected Even at a Distance with Military Care Packages from My Hero Crate
Ease the emotions that come with deployment by sending a special care package to your deployed hero. My Hero Crate takes care of all the details for you because we assemble military-approved treats and other items to bring cheer to your hero, no matter where in the world they’re stationed. And shipping is always free to any APO, DPO, or FPO address.
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