5 Deployment Coping Ideas for Children

Children of deployed parents often find it hard to cope with the absence of a loved one. Even though my children have never gone through a long deployment, like the one they are about to experience, I have devoted my time to making sure they will be able to cope with the absence of their father. I have pondered how to make this upcoming deployment easier on them, my husband, and myself. Here are a few ways to make the deployment process easier on children.

Deployment Coping Idea for Children # 1 - Regular verbal communication

During any deployment, communication is essential not only for spouses, but also for the children. My husband and I have decided each phone call they will be able to speak and interact. We have done this in the past when he has been gone for months at a time and it really helped calm their nerves. Letting your child, especially younger ones, hear the voice of their father or mother can help relax them and reassure them they are not being abandoned.

Deployment Coping Idea for Children #2 -Video Diaries

I had not even thought about doing a video diary for my husband while he was deployed, until he bought me a new DVD camcorder. Creating a video diary of yourself and the children can help them feel like daddy's right there with them. You could record a dinner, playtime, or any time of your liking. Just be sure to make daddy a part of the activities.

Deployment Coping Idea for Children #3 - Record Story Time

This is one of my favorite ideas. Recording my daughters' daddy reading them bedtime books is a great way for them to see him every day. It can also be soothing and a great way for children to bond with their absent parent. I hope to use this DVD recording each day as a way to remind my toddlers of their daddy. Have the absent parent read a few of their favorite books and each night, right before bedtime, pop it in the DVD player and let them hear and see their parent. This is an excellent way for children to remain connected with their absent parent.

Deployment Coping Idea for Children #4 - Include Mommy or Daddy in Everything

One of the best ways to get through a deployment, especially with younger children, is to include the absent parent in everyday activities. I would suggest small things such as setting an extra place at the table and place a picture of the absent parent on the plate. This can help them feel like their other parent is still with them. Just remember there will be times your children may be a little apprehensive to the idea and might get upset. If this happens, try it another day, maybe after they have talked to the absent parent.

Deployment Coping Idea for Children #5 - Buy a Webcam

Having a webcam is a great way to have the absent parent interact with children. We have invested in webcams, one for my husband to take with him and one for me to have here. We hope this will ease the emotional confusion of my husband's absence with our girls and give them a way to communicate effectively with him.

I hope these ideas have helped you find new ways to keep the stress levels of your children down during a deployment of a loved one. These are also great ideas for the parent who travels a lot on business. These are just some of the many ways to help your child cope with the deployment of a loved one.