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I am not a first timer at deployments. We aren't first timers for deployment with children by far. But I am always asked how we do it? Generally from people that have never been away from their spouse for more then a weekend. Honestly don't think I could handle not having deployments.
Here is my idea.. For those that have ideas on how to get threw a deployment. Whether it be with or without kids. To ease the fears of those that are going threw this the first time.
So to start off I will tell what some wise spouses have told me
> A deployment is what you make it. It can be a great experience to grow as a person. It can be a horrible one if you decide it is and fall apart.
> Find a hobby, go back to college, enroll the kids in sports or other activites. Basically stay busy. Time flys when your busy and creeps when you stair at 4 walls.
> Give yourself permission to freak out and cry yourself to sleep. You are not less of a mother, wife or person. No matter how prepared you are... sometimes you just need to cry. Just don't fall apart and cry for the whole deployment.
Now this is what I do. Since we are so far away from family. The nearest family is like 3000 miles away. When he deploys we go visit families in Texas, Florida and GA. This year we are also going to throw in Wyoming. Some call me insane but we drive it. I get to learn things I didn't know about my children. When he is around (not that its a bad thing) you just sometimes miss things. Well when you drive a van from maine to anywhere. You learn alot. We go to zoos. We stop and play. We take our time and don't stress. No guidelines or time frame. Thats traveling with children period. Got some other tips on traveling long distances with children too...
I hope no one thinks I am being a know it all. Good lords knows that I don't. But I keep running into these girls that are being given the wrong ideas or the wrong impression. Or not told anything so they are afraid of the unknown.
Please post your ideas, tips or other things.. I can pass them on to the other girls. We have quite a few with younger children.
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What a great thread...thanks for starting it. I can make it a sticky for those who will be needing it on a regular basis!
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I am working on some more information on deployments with children... things like that.
Busy week with hubby leaving soon.
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Know what I hate about civilians? When single parents get mad when we refer to being a single parent while they are deployed. What are we then? Ummm single parents for months at a time!
I think I try to keep my girls busy so time goes by.