Redeployment Resources

Redeployment is a joyful time, there is no doubt about that, but it can also be a time of stress and uncertainty. I found some great links to some very good resources that help shine a light on some of the conflicting feelings and stress that families can encounter during this transition. Below is an excerpt from one online brochure I found and following that is a list of helpful links:

Excerpt
The following suggestions are intended to help you and your loved ones get reacquainted with as little stress as possible.
Soldiers:
• Take time to listen and talk.
• Make time for each child and for your spouse.
• Support the good things your family has done.
• Remember – romantic conversation can make
re-entering love relations easier.
• Manage money carefully.
• Don’t overdo the “reunion parties.”
Spouses
• Avoid a busy schedule.
• Go slowly in making adjustments.
• Remind your spouse that they are still needed.
• Discuss division of the family chores.
• Stick to a budget until you have time to talk
about money matters.
• Make time to be alone with your spouse.
• Be patient in rebuilding your relationship.
Children
• Slowly resume the old rules and routines.
• Be available to your child, with time and
emotions.
• Let the child be the first to renew the bond.
• Expect some changes in your child.
• Focus on successes; limit criticisms.
• Encourage your child to tell you everything that
happened while you were away

EXPECTATIONS FOR SOLDIERS
• Even though you may want to talk about your experiences, your family may not.
• Roles may have changed with regard to basic chores and household duties.
• Face-to-face communication may be difficult after a separation.
• Closeness may be awkward at first.
• Children grow up during separations; they may seem different.
• Spouses become more independent, and may need more space.
• You may have to change your outlook on priorities in the household.

EXPECTATIONS FOR SPOUSES
• Soldiers may have changed.
• Soldiers may feel “closed-in” or claustrophobic and may need space to feel comfortable.
• Soldiers often feel overwhelmed by the everyday noise and confusion of home life.
• Soldiers may need time to resume sleeping patterns.
• Soldiers may feel left out and need time to adjust.
• Soldiers may feel hurt when small children are slow to hug them and show emotions.

WHAT CHILDREN MAY FEEL
• Babies less than 1 year old may cry when you hold them; toddlers may not know you at first
• Preschoolers 3-5 years old may be afraid of you.
• School-aged children 6-12 years old may demand more of your time than other children.
• Teenagers may seem moody, and act as if they don’t care.
• Some children may be anxious, fearing your expectations of them.
• Children may have symptoms of minor illnesses.
• Children may be torn who remained at home.

Reunion and Post Deployment Resources (NMFA)
Homecoming Tips
The American Red Cross (Deployment Tips and information on reunions)
The American Red Cross offers a guide for military persons who are returning home and their families with suggestions for how to make a smooth transition.

Navy

Resources to Prepare for a Safe Return from Deployment
It’s time to come home after a long and dangerous deployment. Well-deserved celebrations and joyous reunions await, but so do the temptations and risks that frequently claim too many of our people. Here are some items to help you prepare your troops and yourself for the return home.

Army
A Soldier and Family Guide to Redeploying (pdf file)
This information guide is intended to help address redeployment issues and concerns you or your family might have. The reuniting process involves changes for both you and your family. Knowing what to expect, how to deal with the changes and where to get help, can make homecoming enjoyable and less stressful for everyone.

Army Community Service
Resources for Army families.

Found at NMFA.org