8/9/2019 Children&Deployment

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Little Creek Newport News Norfolk Northwest Oceana Yorktown

462-7563 688-NAVY 444-2102 421-8770 433-2912 887-4606

WEBSITE: www.ffscnorva.navy.mil

forSTRATEGIES

N Remember, you are the expert on your child.You know what is normal behavior for her/himand are the best one to notice when things areout of sync.

N Reassure your children often that they are lovedby those at home and by their deployed parent.Give lots of hugs.

N As appropriate, be honest with your children.Trying to hide things from them will only leadthem to imagine the situation is much worsethan it really is.

N Understand your childs level of development.Know what is normal behavior for your childs

age. Be aware of changes and seek assistance early.

N Listen to your children. Clear up anymisunderstandings they may have. Be with yourchild when watching/reading news so you cananswer questions. In times of crisis, limit theirexposure to media so it does not increase theiranxiety.

N Expect regression, changes, and stress due toseparation.

N Talk about your childs feelings and encourage him/her to do the same. Accept their feelings even thoughthey may be very different from your own.

HELPING CHILDREN

WITH DEPLOYMENT

STRATEGIES for

N Encourage your children to talk. Let them shareoptions, suggestions, and solutions forproblems. Encourage them to express anger

verbally, not physically.

N Establish strategies and activities with yourchildren to keep them connected with theirdeployed parent. Structure a routine where yourchildren consistently correspond, talk about andconnect with the deployed parent. Keep activitiesage appropriate and educational.

N Provide additional adult relationships for yourchildren, which may include grandparents,neighbors, friends, teachers, religious leaders,coaches, scout leaders, etc.

N Inform your childs teachers/guidancecounselors about the deployment so they arebetter able to provide assistance to the child ifnecessary. Ask if there is a deployment supportgroup available in the school. FFSC staff canhelp start one if requested.

N Children learn their coping skills from thosearound them. How well you cope with thedeployment will have a significant influence on

how your children will react.

N Take care of yourself. You need to eat well, getsufficient rest and exercise, and spend time doingthings you enjoy. If you dont take care of yourself

you wont be able to care for your children.

Deployments are a fact of life for military families

Children react to the separation in different ways

The following are some tips to assist parents.

K&D503LC