When a service member is redeployed, the whole family is being redeployed! For a young child, multiple homecomings mean constant adjustments. She may also find it difficult to reconnect if she knows the parent may be leaving again.

Wait to talk about redeployment.

• It’s important not to say anything about redeployment until orders are in hand and there are visible signs – such as Mom packing – that something is happening.

Be reassuring while breaking the news.

• Stress that deployments are part of the parent’s job. Reassure your child – as many times as needed – that the redeployment is not because of anything she did or said.
• Use the previous deployment as a model. Remind your child, “Remember when Dad went away last time? It was hard, but we pulled together as a family – and we will again.” Go back to the ideas and strategies that worked before, and to the people you depended on. But stay flexible, too; each deployment is different.

Spend time together before redeployment.

• If you have more than one child, make time for each, doing something as simple as reading together or going to the park to play. You will send an important message: “You matter!” Since time is always an issue, invite other family members to join in. Older children can also keep younger ones company and be terrific role models – but make sure you let them just be kids, too.

Download materials »