Just for Kids Parents’ Edition Module Three A

Agenda Identifying Concerns Celebrating Change Reintegration Tips

Activity: Homecoming Story Be creative Keep it short and simple Use expressive language Cater to your child’s interests Think like a child Let your child be the hero Convey a message Finish the book together

Perception is Reality How can you influence your child’s perception? How does your child view homecoming?

Common Concerns Deployed Parent Will my child know me? How will they act? How will I parent again? Has my absence hurt my child? How do I make up for lost time? Will we get along? Child Has my parent changed? Were they in danger? Is my parent angry? Does my parent love me? Will my parent leave again?

Children’s Concerns and Reactions Infant to 2 years old6 to 12 years old3 to 5 years old Cry or fuss Shy or clingy May not recognize parent Needs time to warm up Seeks attention Needs proof parent is real Excited May be talkative May be quiet and reserved

What Parents Can Do Manage discipline Go slowly Encourage involvement Communicate openly Give help Get help

Blended Families Lower expectations Unite with your partner Build trust and respect Ease into your role Form a new family identity Use your resources

Growth and Changes Socially Independence Physically Emotionally

Reunion Expectations Share their expectations with the deployed parent Be honest about what may or may not happen Do not make promises that you cannot keep

Managing Expectations Discuss changes with your partner Maintain daily routines Ask your child to help Talk about new rules Share new rules with the family Go easy on child discipline

Purpose Why is the deployed parent returning home? Picture What will life be like when the deployed parent returns? Plan What is the plan for reuniting with Mom or Dad? The Homecoming Helper Part to Play What role will your child play in executing the plan?

1.Honor developmental ages and stages 2.Inform returning parent of changes 3.Appreciate your child’s contribution 4.Maintain routines and ask your child for help 5.Give your partner suggestions Reintegration Tips

6.Celebrate growth and normalize change 7.Encourage the sharing of feelings 8.Discuss changes as a family 9.Be patient 10.Focus on loving your child Reintegration Tips

The Homecoming Hero

Parenting education and support Prenatal to younger than age 4 Voluntary program Professional home visitor Promotes resiliency Priority for deployed families New Parent Support Home Visitation Program

Homecoming Workshops Date: Time: Location: Date: Time: Location: Date: Time: Location: General Homecoming Brief Just for Kids Reintegrating with Partners Date: Time: Location: Homecoming for Teens

Thank You! FFSC location Phone number Website Social media sites