Better cope with a prolonged absence-ENG

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Step 5- Anticipate the return Possible reactions: Apprehension, to cast doubt over anxiety; Excitement and high expectations; Increase of energy; Concerns and confusion; Difficulty to take decisions. Some advice: Description Have realistic expectations toward your spouse’s homecoming; Re-affirm your love and your commitment to your partner; Include your children in the planning of a welcome home party; Plan family time together; Trust only the official information regarding the return (date, hour, and place); Do not pay attention to rumours (in order not to create false expectations). Duration Last 6 weeks of deployment 6- Renegotiate the terms of relation Possible reactions: Discomfort, grieving loss of freedom, and independence; Confusion of roles; Satisfaction; Happiness and excitement. Some advice: Relearn to know yourself (weekend gateway, romantic dinner...); Accept your feelings like being normal and not a threat to your relationship; Be patient <strong>with</strong> yourself and your partner; Renegotiate your roles and your responsibilities; The tasks can always be shared and might be different; Express your needs, expectations, and emotions. First 6 weeks at home 8
Step 7- Reintegration and stabilization Possible reactions: Acceptance of the new roles; The feeling of being a couple again. Description Duration 6 - 12 weeks Some advice: Continue to take part in your support network; Do not hesitate to consult someone (priest, social worker, or doctor) if you perceive signs of post-traumatic stress disorder or for any other reason; Evaluate the agreements that you negotiated after the return. ADVICE FOR THE ONE WHO STAYS BEHIND During the deployment Keep in touch <strong>with</strong> the person who is away (letters, photographs, or Internet). Hold a diary where you will note some significant or insignificant events in order to inform the deployed spouse of what is going on at home. (Drawings, pictures, etc.) Inform your child’s teacher about the deployment in order to prevent the abrupt changes of behaviour. As much as possible, keep the same routine at home. Distribute daily tasks between all the family members by taking in consideration their age and their potential. Do not forget, the priorities will probably have to be modified, because there is so much to do. Listen to your emotions and your children’s feeling. Take care of yourself; take some time out for you, relax... 9
Page 1: How to better cope with a prolonged
Page 4 and 5: INTRODUCTION A good preparation is
Page 6 and 7: DEPLOYMENT A deployment affects all
Page 10 and 11: MY EXPECTATIONS AND MY FEELINGS For
Page 12 and 13: PLANNING THE RETURN A family who is
Page 14 and 15: Age group 5 to 6 years old 7 to 10
Page 16 and 17: Some funny ideas Family stress box
Page 18: NOTES 18

Better cope with a prolonged absence-ENG

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