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My dh is leaving for two weeks of POW training and survival school. It's not a real deployment but it's the first time he will be away from the kids for any length of time. It's also the first time Zach (my four year old) will realize Daddy is gone and will have lots of questions. This will be my first deployment, per se, will handling the kids' adjustment. I have a busy week ahead of me, so that's good. We also have a few guests coming into town next week to look forward, so that too is good. Ty's birthday is on the 17th so we will be planning something special for that, but it is also the same day dh returns.
What kinds of things have you done with your kids in preparation for your dh's return? I'm hoping to find some inspiration from your responses. This will be my first time doing this, so I am hoping to make a good impression on them so they can be better prepared for the REAL deployments.
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bumping up!
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Bumping again. I wish I could help, but I have no experience with this situation. I am sure there are some other military mom's out there, that will have a great suggestion!!
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We did not have any kids when my husband came home from his 6 month deployment. I think the first couple of years he spent more time away from me, then home. Of course at that stage, his homecoming, especially after six months had more to do with the least amount of clothing possible... I am sure you can connect the dots.
For kids, perhaps having them prepare something special for daddy, a cake or cupcakes and making a sign. Perhaps make a big one that you can update each time he comes back. It can be a memory that although, he leaves, he will come back each time. I'm envisioning a big piece of fabric saying welcome home daddy, with handprints of the kids, perhaps daddy even adds his handprint when he gets home. It would be neat to look back on to see how much the kids have grown.
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My husband was gone for 18 months and when he came home our daughter was pretty young (just two years old) so we didnt do anything big... I did get a TON of yellow balloons and yellow ribbon and decorate the house, but thats more for an overseas deployment maybe...
But, DH has also gone off for training for periods of time for the past four years, usually for 2-8 weeks. When he does this we do a big dinner when he comes back and invite some close family and things like that. I have also had my 4 year old decorate a welcome home banner as well.
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Here is some more good info:
Reunion is part of the deployment cycle and is filled with joy and stress. The following tips can help you have the best possible reunion.
Tips for Soldiers for Reunion:
Be supportive of good things your family has done.
Take time to talk with your spouse and children.
Make individual time for each child and your spouse.
Go slowly when reestablishing your place in the family.
Be prepared to make some adjustments.
Romantic conversation can lead to more enjoyable sex.
>Make your savings last longer.
Take time to listen and to talk with loved ones.
Go easy on partying.
Tips for Spouses for Reunion:
Avoid scheduling too many activities.
Go slowly in making adjustments.
It is okay if you and your soldier need time apart at first, don't rush things.
Remind the soldier that he or she is still needed in the family.
Discuss splitting up family chores.
Stick to your budget until you've had time to talk it through.
Along with time for the family, make individual time to talk just to each other.
Be patient with yourself and your partner.
Tips for Reunion with Children:
Go slowly. Adapt to the rules and routines already in place.
Let the child set the pace for getting to know you again.
Learn from how your spouse managed the children while you were away.
Be available to your child, both with time and with your emotions.
Delay making changes in rules and routines for a few weeks.
Expect that the family will not be the same as before you left; everyone has changed.
Focus on successes with your children; limit your criticisms.
Encourage children to tell you about what happened during the separation.
Make individual time for each child.
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bumping
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Any more heart warming stories to share?
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I watched Oprah on my DVR last night where they had the Reunion for the Marine Corp, I was in tears what a homecoming!
We never were able to have a special homecoming for my db because the brat would just show up! However we did have a improptu party at my parents and invited everyone we could get a hold of this was from Desert Storm.
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When Steven has gone TDY he drives his truck and leaves it at the air port. So he is just greeted at the door or at the truck when he gets home.
Now that he is coming home from being in Iraq our plans so far are:
The girls and I all went and got dresses to wear to the airport
We are going to get pampered and get our hair done
We have been buying balloons every payday and will pick them up when he is coming home. We will have close to 70 balloons in our living room! Red white and blue ones! We are going to hang signs up out front on the garage and balloons off the lamp post and tree,
we are going out for a steak dinner at a local resturant, I even won 2 free dinners!! They will have him stand up on a chair in the resturant and announce he just came home and they have a hero eating dinner with them!~ The girls can't wait for them to do that cause they know it will embarress him LOL We are letting our church family and friends know when he will get home and they are going to meet at the resturant as a surprise!
to say we are looking forward to it is an understatement!! (Less then 9 weeks now!!!!)