OCTOBER 24, 2023 – The unique challenges faced by military families, especially those with young children, cannot be understated. Frequent relocations, long periods of separation, and the general unpredictability of military life can take a toll on familial bonds. However, with deliberate effort and the right strategies, families can overcome these obstacles and maintain a strong sense of connection. This article outlines practical approaches for military families with young children to stay connected, fostering resilience and stability in the face of uncertainty.
Establishing Routine Communication
Communication is the linchpin of any strong relationship, and this is especially true for military families facing separation. By establishing a routine and utilizing a variety of communication channels, families can maintain a vital sense of connection.
- Video Calls: Platforms like Zoom or Skype can be used for weekly video calls. Parents can schedule “virtual dinners” where the whole family eats together while on a call.
- Instant Messaging: Apps such as WhatsApp or Telegram allow for real-time text messaging and sending of photos or short videos, keeping the distant parent updated with daily activities.
- Email: Creating a family newsletter with updates, drawings from the kids, and messages can keep the deployed parent involved in daily life.
Creating Shared Experiences
Shared experiences create memories and foster a sense of unity. Even when miles apart, families can engage in activities together, ensuring that the parent away from home remains an integral part of the family’s life.
- Virtual Storytime: Choose a children’s book and have the deployed parent read a chapter or section each night via video call.
- Online Games: Engage in child-friendly games that can be played collaboratively, like Pictionary or simple online board games.
- Synced Movie Watching: Platforms such as Disney+ offer GroupWatch, allowing families to watch movies together and react in real-time.
Utilizing Support Networks
Military families are part of a larger community that understands the unique challenges they face. Leveraging these support networks can provide both practical help and emotional support.
- Military Family Support Centers: These centers often provide counseling, playgroups, and family activities.
- Community Events: Participating in base or community events geared towards families can foster a sense of belonging.
- Social Media Groups: Joining military family Facebook groups or forums can provide a platform to connect and share experiences.
Keeping Memories Alive
Physical reminders of the deployed parent can bridge the emotional and physical distance. Families can employ creative methods to preserve and celebrate these memories.
- Scrapbooking: Creating a scrapbook with photos, postcards, and notes from the deployed parent.
- Digital Memory Box: Using cloud storage to create a digital collection of letters, photos, and videos.
- Memory Jar: Keeping a jar in the house where children can drop notes or drawings for the deployed parent, to be opened upon their return.
Embracing Technology
Technology offers innovative solutions to bridge the gap between separated family members. From video calls to virtual reality, these tools can significantly enhance the family’s ability to stay connected.
- Virtual Reality (VR): VR platforms can provide immersive experiences, like virtual tours of a parent’s deployment location.
- Smart Devices: Utilizing wearable tech like smart watches enable speech to texting, calling and ease of sharing location.
- Interactive Apps: Apps such as Caribu allow for interactive reading and games during video calls.
Encouraging Open Communication
Fostering a culture of open communication within the family encourages emotional expression and resilience. This is particularly important for young children who may be grappling with the challenges of separation.
- Emotion Sharing: Encourage children to talk about their feelings, and share your own emotions as well.
- Consistent Reassurance: Regularly reassure children of the deployed parent’s love and eventual return.
- Creative Expression: Use arts and crafts as a medium for children to express their feelings about the separation.
Planning Reunions and Visits
Reunions and visits, whether long-planned or spontaneous, are pivotal moments for military families. These occasions can serve as milestones, giving both parents and children something tangible to look forward to.
- Countdown Calendar: A visual countdown for young children to mark off days until the deployed parent’s return.
- Welcome Home Traditions: Establish special traditions for welcoming the returning parent.
- Reintegration Activities: Plan family activities that foster reconnection after a long separation.
Staying connected as a military family with young children requires intentionality, creativity, and the leveraging of available resources. By establishing routine communication, creating shared experiences, utilizing support networks, preserving memories, embracing technology, encouraging open communication, and planning reunions, families can maintain strong bonds even in the face of separation. It is through these connections that military families find strength, resilience, and a sense of togetherness, ensuring that no matter the distance, they remain united.