Your child is going to have a lot of questions. Listen to what she is asking, then answer as directly and simply as possible. Try to resist saying “don’t feel bad,” or “don’t cry.” What is probably most important to your child is for you to hear her out. And don’t be surprised if you have to answer the same questions over and over again. Here are a few of the most common:

When is Dad coming home? (Or why can’t he come home now?)

• “Dad will be home when his job is finished. He loves us all very much and can’t wait to be with us again.”

How come Mom has to go away again but my friend Alex’s mom doesn’t have to go away at all?

• “Everyone has a different job; your mom’s job is one that needs to be done in another country (or a place far away).”

Is Dad leaving because he is angry at me?

• “No. Dad may be frustrated or tired, but he is not angry with you. He loves you.”

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