Military deployment is a scary, hectic time. Children, especially young ones, are lost in the scramble to get their parent on their way. Toddlers cannot understand why their mother or father is suddenly gone for weeks or months on end. This confusion can lead to bad behavior in pre-school, reversal in toilet training, a lack of interest in food or games or a lack of development. Every child reacts differently and the military will help you to the best of its ability to be ready for their reaction.
Instructions
Dealing With Deployment And Toddlers
1. Set a time aside prior to the military parent leaving to explain things to the child, spend time with the child and organize necessary documents in case of emergency, such as shot records and birth certificates.
2. Attend a military family readiness group to learn tips and tricks for dealing with children's common problems if this is the first time the child has dealt with deployment. Information packets, support lines and online support groups will be available.
3. Reassure the toddler during the deployment. The more things change, the more upset the child will become. Keep habits the same as much as possible.
4. Prepare for the military parent to return from deployment. The child must not be surprised with "mommy" or "daddy" walking through the door since the child may not remember them clearly.
5. Reintroduction of a parent must go slowly and at the toddler's pace. If the toddler is not ready for their parent to pick them up or participate in old games with them, the parent must not push the child to adjust to their presence in their child's life once again, post deployment.
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