Better cope with a prolonged absence-ENG

Age group
Possible reaction
Useful advice
13 to 18 years old Feeling of being abandoned, isolated, and emptiness;
Feeling of anger or rage particularly if the present parent
experiences difficulty of managing the absence or if the
responsibilities and house rules are becoming stricter
for the teenager;
Do not have too high expectations.
Give them responsibilities according to
their age. Give them the right to express
their anger or rage in an acceptable
manner.
Feeling of being responsible for the family;
Culpability and depression;
More distant, often outside the house.
ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS
Here are some activities to plan with your family during a deployment.
Calendar
Help your child count the days until mom or dad’s return. Handcraft a calendar or use one you already have on hand.
Each day, your child draws a smiley face, a sun, or puts funny stickers on the calendar
and for the parent’s return day; he or she can draw a star.
Deployment Map
Before your departure, you can copy a map of the location where you will be deployed.
With your children, draw the route you will be traveling. They will have the impression of traveling with you.
“Jelly beans” Jar
Count the number of days between the departure day and the return for the vacation. Put in a jar as much “Jelly beans”
(or any other candy) as the remaining days. Everyday, the child eats a candy and will realize that the quantity decreases.
Repeat for the other half of the deployment.
The chain links
Count the number of days between the deployment and the return for the vacation.
Make a chain equalizing the number of links and days left. Everyday, the child can remove a link.
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