Presented by Connie Moore HOMECOMING AND REUNION Prepare for challenges, minimize problems, maximize the positive

Presented by Connie Moore Introduction Establish realistic expectations Recognize symptoms of stress Identify helpful and reliable resources

Presented by Connie Moore Reunion Joys and Concerns The reuniting of people after a period of separation. Focus on Joys Focus on Concerns

Presented by Connie Moore Getting Back Together Barriers Communication Reactions stress time sleep sex visits $$$ kid s Tears work

Presented by Connie Moore Ways to Communicate Phone, , cards, letters What do you say? Ask for what you want – both ways Express your concerns State what you enjoyed Express your expectations – get feed back

Presented by Connie Moore Expectations of Change Crisis Threat Avoidance or Denial, Blame others = DEADEND Or Hidden Opportunity Acknowledgement Action = Beginning

Presented by Connie Moore ADJUSTMENTS How will it feel? How will the kids react? How will your soldier’s return affect things? Have you changed? What will the biggest change be?

Presented by Connie Moore Stress Symptoms How did you feel physically? What was your mental attitude? How did you act toward other people?

Presented by Connie Moore Children and Stress Infants/toddlers: –Cry, change in sleep/eating, pull away or cling, tantrums, don’t recognize returning parent Preschoolers: –Anger, acting out, demanding, want reassurance School age: –Excitement, anger, anxiety Adolescents: –Excitement, rebellion

Presented by Connie Moore Stress – Coping Skills Communication  Listen  Talk Take things slowly Let things happen naturally Be accepting

Presented by Connie Moore Coping Remember mixed feelings (for everyone) are the norm Allow individual readjustment Continue to talk, listen, reassure Continue to maintain routines and rules Have children prepare things for returning parent Plan reintegration activities/welcome home celebration

Presented by Connie Moore INTIMACY Go slowly Get reacquainted Examine expectations Attend PREP

Presented by Connie Moore Danger Signs Depression – chronic flat feeling Isolation – withdrawn Rage – unexplained anger Anxiety – unusually nervous, tense, fearful Startle Response – unusual reaction to noise Sleep Problems – too much---to little Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Presented by Connie Moore Post Traumatic Stress Disorder MILITARY ONE SOURCE USE ALL POSSIBLE RESOURCES CALL MAKE APPOINTMENT ATTEND SEMINARS

Presented by Connie Moore WEB addresses

Presented by Connie Moore Where to Get More Information Family Support Center Military Unit HAWC Child & Youth Programs Chaplains Life Skills Family Advocacy

Presented by Connie Moore Summary Joys and Concerns Ways to Communicate Stress and Coping Resources

Presented by Connie Moore Conclusion Question and Answer period Critique Materials