Military families have a lot to think about during deployments.
Military families often have to find ways to cope with a spouse's deployment overseas. Spouses feel alone and children feel like they don't know their parent who is deployed. There is no easy answer and it will always be tough to get through the separation -- however, there are ways to help ease the passage of time.
Instructions
1. Set simple goals for yourself. Don't expect to tackle major projects during your spouse's deployment. Military families often struggle to get through the day to day, so focus on keeping things simple in the home. Don't expect to paint the house yourself or clean out the garage -- these big tasks can wait until your spouse is there to help. Unless of course, you feel that tackling a big project will help you pass the time.
2. Allow your feelings to show. Crying is okay. Many military wives go through a range of emotions during their husband's deployment. Don't be afraid to let it out.
3. Break up the deployment into smaller time chunks. Instead of looking at the whole year your spouse will be gone, break it down into smaller time chunks. Take it one week or one month at a time. This will make the time seem less daunting.
4. Accept help from friends and family. If a neighbor or friend offers to help out around the house or help with the kids, take it. Also, surrounding yourself with friends and family during a military deployment will help fill your time.
5. Utilize military support resources. There are many military resources for families available on the base, online and around the community. Reach out to them. For example, join a military spouse support group and make new friends who are going through what you are so you don't feel so alone.
6. Send care packages to your military spouse. Create a set schedule that he/she can depend on to receive letters or gifts from you, and then throw in a surprise every once in a while. It will help you stay connected.
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