Deployment
After working for a few weeks to settle into your new routines, it can be then that the reality of the deployment begins to hit and the amount of responsibilities that are now on the one person can seem overwhelming, particularly if kids are present. Children at different ages can have a difficult time adjusting to the deployment, and it can be easy for parents to put their entire focus on helping their child adjust, and forget about their own needs and concerns. If you can, call on friends and family members to help you to get time away from the house and kids, even if it's just to run errands, as this time can in turn help you to better assist your kids.
The following tips and activities will help ensure that you stay motivated and connected, and make sure you check out the Deployment resources on this page for information on care packages, self-care, and stress management.
- Keep in touch about every day events, maintain journal or log (keepsake box for children)
- Number and date your letters
- Begin and end phone calls or emails on a positive note
- Assist in maintaining communication between family and deployed member through regular emails, letters, phone calls, etc.
- Maintain healthy lifestyle, exercise and eat a balanced diet
- Ignore rumours and rely on official sources of information
- Enjoy new learned skills, freedom or independence
- Celebrate accomplishments and positive growths in self and family
- Offer empathy and support to others, when possible
- Seek professional support if feelings of depression/anxiety are threatening to overwhelm
- Share both negative and positive emotions and feelings
- Express expectations and desires for homecoming (what does CF member want or need?)
- Reassure your partner of your love and commitment with what you say and do
- Include children in planning for homecoming
- Participate in any and all preparation for reunion activities offered
- Use official sources of information concerning return date, time and location of arrival
They say a picture is worth a thousand words
Video teleconferencing is up and running at Land Force Central Training Area. VTC is now a popular way for families to stay connected. The MFRC is happy to keep families connected any way we can. The system is now available at the base in Meaford for families to utilize.
How Videoteleconferencing (VTC) Works
- Military member coordinates with Heather Montgomery, Admin & Special Events Coordinator, (Op Athena, Kandahar, Afghanistan) as to the date and time they would like (it is assumed that this time is already good for their family back home)
- Heather will email a confirmation of the date and time to both the military member and the Signals staff in Meaford to book the equipment/reserve the VTC
- Upon confirmation Heather will send a follow up to the military member in Afghanistan and to the base in Meaford. Call the deployment team for more information or to help coordinate
Web Sites that may be helpful
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