1. Module Three Children and Deployment

2. Agenda Ages and Stages Communication Managing Change

3. Deployment Reactions Adult reactions Age Developmental stage Experiences

4. 3- to 5-year-olds Infant to 2-year-olds  Sadness  Clinginess  Seeking attention  Aggressive  Regressive  Eating/sleeping  Fussiness/crying  Clinging  Demanding  Timid  Issues school/home  Angry outbursts  Academic problems  Complaints of illness  Becomes “little man” or “little woman”  Takes on adult role  Moody/argues  Distances self  Academic problems  Aloof; test the limits  Focus on friends 13- to 18-year olds Activity: Ages and Stages 6- to 12-year-olds

5. Debrief: How Parents Can Help 3- to 5-year-olds Infant to 2-year-olds 13- to 18-year olds 6- to 12-year-olds  Ignore attention- getting behaviors  Consistent rules  Make time for hugs  Discuss deployment  Be patient  More hugs  Maintain routines  Record deployed parent’s voice  Model coping skills  Talk to teachers  Discover their interests  Provide healthy adult relationships  Watch for depression  Build mutual trust  Share decisions  Pick your battles  Establish clear limits  Offer support  Listen

6. Activity: Up for Debate MOTION: All people should be vegetarians Remain standing or seated

7. Open Communication

8. How to Listen LISTENING Pay attention Don’t criticize Show empathy Label emotions Ask questions Paraphrase Summarize

9. How to Speak SPEAKING Be open and honest Do not talk down Speak calmly Use “I” statements Think about your words Pick the right time Know when to take a break

10. Words That Heal vs. Words That Hurt But If Always Never Hurtful Words I’m sorry I know that hurt I was wrong Please forgive me Healing Words

11. Purpose Explain why the deploying parent has to go away Picture Describe how deployment will look and feel Plan Describe the family’s plan for a successful deployment Change and Getting Kids Involved Part to Play Describe the child’s role in executing the plan

12. Behavior that lasts longer than a few weeks may require special attention. Seek support from:  Other military parents  FFSP parenting classes  Counseling What’s Normal?

13. 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

14. Deployment Readiness Workshops Date: Time: Location: Single Service Members Couples and Deployment General Pre- Deployment Brief Date: Time: Location: Date: Time: Location:

15. Financial Planning Workshops Upcoming workshops: Date: xxxxx Time: xxxxx Location:xxxxx

16. Thank You! FFSC location Phone number Email Website Social media sites