Better cope with a prolonged absence-ENG
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How to better <strong>cope</strong><br />
<strong>with</strong> a <strong>prolonged</strong><br />
<strong>absence</strong>
CONTENTS<br />
Introduction 4<br />
How to prepare for a deployment? 4<br />
Military personnel 4<br />
For the one who stays behind 5<br />
Single parent 5<br />
Children 5<br />
Deployment 6<br />
Emotional cycle of the deployment 6<br />
Practical advice for the one who stays behind 9<br />
During the deployment 9<br />
My expectations and my feelings 10<br />
For the one who stays behind 10<br />
Military personnel 11<br />
Planning the return 12<br />
For the one who stays behind 12<br />
Military personnel 12<br />
Children facing a <strong>prolonged</strong> <strong>absence</strong> 13<br />
Activity suggestions 15<br />
Calendar 15<br />
Deployment map 15<br />
The ‘’jelly beans’’ jar 15<br />
The chain links 15<br />
Some funny ideas 16<br />
Family stress box 16<br />
Family meeting 16<br />
Communication night 16<br />
Bibliography references 16<br />
Notes 17
INTRODUCTION<br />
A good preparation is a significant asset to face a <strong>prolonged</strong> <strong>absence</strong>. As a result, this booklet has been created for you. While reading<br />
the following pages, you will find useful advice, information, and tools that will help you to better understand the emotions related to<br />
a deployment. In addition, you will discover, amongst other things, the emotional stages of a deployment.<br />
Moreover, each family member will find relevant information which will help everyone to <strong>cope</strong> <strong>with</strong> a deployment. Furthermore, at the<br />
end, we are suggesting some fun family activities. Take some time to read this booklet. It will be useful before, during, and after the<br />
deployment.<br />
Happy reading! Do not hesitate to contact a friend or a significant other if you feel the need. We, at the MFRC, are always available to<br />
support you or answer your questions.<br />
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A DEPLOYMENT?<br />
People living the military life say that getting ready for a deployment becomes a normal mode of operation. What should be done<br />
when the military spouse must leave on short notice for an exercise or when, suddenly, this person is sent abroad <strong>with</strong> the unit for<br />
an indefinite period of time?<br />
Military personnel<br />
Explain to your family your role in the Canadian Forces. Take them for a visit to our work place and describe your tasks.<br />
Be honest. Specify the type of schedule that you will have and describe the deployment location.<br />
(Time zone, language, different culture, etc.)<br />
Prepare your luggage early in order to spend the last evening <strong>with</strong> your family.<br />
Allow yourself some privileged time <strong>with</strong> your children and your spouse.<br />
Let your family members know that even if you like your work, it is difficult for you to leave them.<br />
Tell them that you will miss them as much as they will miss you.<br />
Prepare in advance some cards or little messages for special events (Anniversary, Christmas etc…)<br />
4
For the one who stays behind<br />
Create a support network (people you can contact day and night). Make sure you know the emergency numbers (deployment<br />
support centre, health information, social information, police forces, etc). Make contact <strong>with</strong> other spouses and your spouse’s unit.<br />
Ensure to know a person (friend or neighbour) who will be able to take care of your children on short notice if need arises.<br />
Do not forget that you are also a human being, not only a person in a relationship. Before your spouse’s departure, take notes of the<br />
budget; achieve tasks that normally the other person carries out (like mowing the lawn for example, oil change for your car, etc).<br />
Make a list of things that you have always wanted to do, but never had time to do it.<br />
Single parent<br />
Plan in advance all the details concerning your deployment, your house, etc.<br />
Organize special activities; spend as much time as possible <strong>with</strong> your children.<br />
If your ex-spouse cannot take care of the children during the deployment,<br />
it would be important to find a significant person (guardian) who knows them and could deal <strong>with</strong> them.<br />
If your children are staying <strong>with</strong> your ex-spouse, try to maintain a good relationship and stay in contact.<br />
As much as possible, leave the children in the same environment so the routine is not turned upside down.<br />
Ensure that the current social network remains present near the children.<br />
Children<br />
Talk to your children a long time in advance about your separation, except if they are too young to understand.<br />
This will give them time to think about the deployment, time to accept it, and to get used to their feelings about the separation.<br />
Explain to them the importance of your mission and let them know how much they will be missed.<br />
Listen and let your children express what they feel toward the separation. Do not leave them aside.<br />
Plan special family activities before your departure. Take pictures of you or make a video that they can view while you are away.<br />
Read to your children some of their favourite stories and record them on a tape or CD.<br />
Suggest to your children to write a letter, to make a drawing or craft, and to place it in your luggage as a surprise.<br />
5
DEPLOYMENT<br />
A deployment affects all family members. It is a very stressful situation for everyone. It requires a physical and emotional plan for the soldier, spouse,<br />
and their children; it is also true for the extended family or friends’ network. All close relationships are affected by a deployment. Consequently,<br />
knowing more about the topic can reduce the stress level for the family members and can help them during this period.<br />
Emotional cycle of the deployment<br />
Step<br />
Before a<br />
deployment<br />
1- Anticipation of the loss<br />
Possible reactions:<br />
Excitement, denial, fear, anger, resentment, stress, sorrow, insomnia,<br />
frustration, unstable mood, and unstable energy level.<br />
Some advice:<br />
Description<br />
Give yourself the right to feel and express your emotions;<br />
Encourage all the family members to share their feelings;<br />
Re-affirm your love and your engagement towards your partner;<br />
Involve the whole family in the preparation of a <strong>prolonged</strong> <strong>absence</strong>;<br />
Create special occasions, which will become happy memories;<br />
Try to perceive the deployment as an opportunity of personal growth;<br />
Remember that a deployment is only a temporary situation;<br />
Pass through the memoranda <strong>with</strong> your partner;<br />
Establish realistic goals for yourself during the deployment.<br />
Duration<br />
1 to 6 weeks<br />
before<br />
deployment<br />
2- Detachment and <strong>with</strong>drawal<br />
Possible reactions<br />
This is the most difficult stage;<br />
Emotional detachment from the person who leaves;<br />
Discouragement, hopelessness, lack of energy, tiredness, and impatience;<br />
Reduction of emotional connection and sexual intimacy.<br />
Some advice:<br />
Accept your feelings as being normal, these reactions;<br />
are based on difficult circumstances and not as a sign of rejection;<br />
Communicate as openly and honestly as possible;<br />
Be patient <strong>with</strong> yourself and your family members.<br />
Last week<br />
before<br />
deployment<br />
6
Step<br />
3- Emotional disorganization<br />
Possible reactions:<br />
Feeling neglected and alone;<br />
Loss, emptiness, and loneliness;<br />
Anger, depression, and confusion;<br />
Disorganization;<br />
Stress, insomnia, and fatigue;<br />
Culpability and fear of infidelity;<br />
Feeling relieved.<br />
Some advice:<br />
Keep in touch;<br />
Try to end your phone calls on a positive note;<br />
(the wait can be long until the next phone call);<br />
Share as much information as you can about your daily life and work;<br />
Take care of yourself;<br />
Participate in formal or informal support groups, activities, volunteer work, etc.<br />
4- Recovery and stabilization<br />
Possible reactions:<br />
Realizing that she/he is managing well;<br />
Redistribution of roles and responsibilities;<br />
Increase of self-confidence, autonomy, and independence.<br />
Some advice:<br />
Description<br />
Be indulgent <strong>with</strong> yourself; accept the fact that you do<br />
not have control on everything;<br />
Pay attention to your children’s emotions and questions;<br />
Benefit from your freedom, your independence, and new acquired skills;<br />
Do not forget to take time for yourself;<br />
Be able to recognize the new assets acquired by the family members<br />
(better self-confidence, new network of support, autonomy...);<br />
Confide to a close friend that you trust or to your deployment support coordinator;<br />
Re-affirm <strong>with</strong> your partner that you cannot wait for this separation to be over.<br />
Duration<br />
First 6 weeks<br />
Variable duration<br />
(between stages<br />
3 and 5)<br />
7
Step<br />
5- Anticipate the return<br />
Possible reactions:<br />
Apprehension, to cast doubt over anxiety;<br />
Excitement and high expectations;<br />
Increase of energy;<br />
Concerns and confusion;<br />
Difficulty to take decisions.<br />
Some advice:<br />
Description<br />
Have realistic expectations toward your spouse’s homecoming;<br />
Re-affirm your love and your commitment to your partner;<br />
Include your children in the planning of a welcome home party;<br />
Plan family time together;<br />
Trust only the official information regarding the return (date, hour, and place);<br />
Do not pay attention to rumours (in order not to create false expectations).<br />
Duration<br />
Last 6 weeks<br />
of deployment<br />
6- Renegotiate the terms of relation<br />
Possible reactions:<br />
Discomfort, grieving loss of freedom, and independence;<br />
Confusion of roles;<br />
Satisfaction;<br />
Happiness and excitement.<br />
Some advice:<br />
Relearn to know yourself (weekend gateway, romantic dinner...);<br />
Accept your feelings like being normal and not a threat to your relationship;<br />
Be patient <strong>with</strong> yourself and your partner;<br />
Renegotiate your roles and your responsibilities;<br />
The tasks can always be shared and might be different;<br />
Express your needs, expectations, and emotions.<br />
First 6 weeks<br />
at home<br />
8
Step<br />
7- Reintegration and stabilization<br />
Possible reactions:<br />
Acceptance of the new roles;<br />
The feeling of being a couple again.<br />
Description<br />
Duration<br />
6 - 12 weeks<br />
Some advice:<br />
Continue to take part in your support network;<br />
Do not hesitate to consult someone (priest, social worker, or doctor) if you<br />
perceive signs of post-traumatic stress disorder or for any other reason;<br />
Evaluate the agreements that you negotiated after the return.<br />
ADVICE FOR THE ONE WHO STAYS BEHIND<br />
During the deployment<br />
Keep in touch <strong>with</strong> the person who is away (letters, photographs, or Internet).<br />
Hold a diary where you will note some significant or insignificant events in order<br />
to inform the deployed spouse of what is going on at home. (Drawings, pictures, etc.)<br />
Inform your child’s teacher about the deployment in order to prevent the abrupt changes of behaviour.<br />
As much as possible, keep the same routine at home.<br />
Distribute daily tasks between all the family members by taking in consideration their age and their potential.<br />
Do not forget, the priorities will probably have to be modified, because there is so much to do.<br />
Listen to your emotions and your children’s feeling.<br />
Take care of yourself; take some time out for you, relax...<br />
9
MY EXPECTATIONS AND MY FEELINGS<br />
For the one who stays behind.<br />
What are the things that changed about me and my children since the departure? At home?<br />
What are my expectations in my relationship?<br />
What are my expectations about my spouse’s attitude towards the children?<br />
What are my expectations towards the tasks in the house?<br />
What are my feelings towards my spouse’s homecoming?<br />
10
For the Military member.<br />
What are the things that changed about me, <strong>with</strong> my contacts, <strong>with</strong> my spouse,<br />
and in my interpersonal relation since my departure?<br />
What are my expectations in my relationship?<br />
What are my expectations about the children’s attitude towards me?<br />
What are my expectations towards my reinstatement in the household tasks?<br />
What are my feelings towards my return <strong>with</strong> my family?<br />
11
PLANNING THE RETURN<br />
A family who is ready for a deployment must also be prepared for the reunion. Be realistic, you will probably have to adapt or face some<br />
difficulties concerning your partner’s return.<br />
Communication is the successful key to a great reunion and a happy family. It is necessary that all family members can express their<br />
feelings and concerns. If all family members listen to each other, it will be easier to find balance.<br />
Every long separation involves changes. Your lifestyle will certainly change. It will depend on both parents to guarantee the success<br />
of the family relation when the family members are together and when they are separated. Knowing how to plan will certainly help to<br />
bring the couple closer and reinforce the bonds.<br />
The one who stays behind<br />
Do not wait for everything to be perfect;<br />
Communication is very important;<br />
Speak openly and honestly about your concerns and fears;<br />
Discuss about everyone’s old and new responsibilities; clearly redefine the role of each family member;<br />
Remember that the person who has been deployed was probably receiving orders or under a strict routine.<br />
This person could not approve the pre-organized schedules or events. Leave room for spontaneity;<br />
Plan time to restore your sexual intimacy;<br />
Sleep disturbances can occur. The deployed person is used to a smaller bed or the presence of other people while sleeping;<br />
Expect your spouse to be surprised that you can manage on your own;<br />
Reassure this person and tell him/her that you need his/her assistance, <strong>with</strong>out giving up your independency.<br />
Military member<br />
Do not disturb a family organization that functions well <strong>with</strong>out you;<br />
Enter the family organization gradually. Try to benefit from your statute “of honourable guest” for a while;<br />
Do not try to involve yourself in the household finances too quickly. There are chances that your spouse took good care of it;<br />
Expect your spouse to feel envious toward your trips. A good idea would be to bring back a gift;<br />
Expect to find your spouse to be different, independent, and more confident;<br />
However, the fact that she/he can manage <strong>with</strong>out you does not mean that she/he does not need your assistance;<br />
Expect your children to be reticent and even shy at your arrival. Perhaps, you will have to re-establish<br />
the bonds <strong>with</strong> your children. They must get acquainted <strong>with</strong> you all over again.;<br />
Try not to apply excessive discipline toward your children at the beginning of your return;<br />
Devote quality time for each child. Moreover, when you wonder what to do, hug your children.<br />
Be patient towards your couple, your children, and yourself! It can take weeks and even months before things come back the way they<br />
were before. Remember that nobody is the same as before, because we all continued to grow.<br />
12
CHILDREN AND A PROLONGED ABSENCE<br />
The period preceding a deployment is stressful for parents and children. In the event of a deployment, family members will feel a<br />
loss of stability and well-being. Children may not understand why one of their parents must leave them. They are often confused and<br />
sometimes feel rejected by the family member who remains <strong>with</strong> them.<br />
Children have a hard time expressing their worries and their feelings, often, their behaviour shows resentment, desire of revenge, and<br />
culpability relating to their emotions. Instability is disturbing for the children. They want things to remain unchanged. When changes<br />
occur, children do not usually have any release system for their anxiety and do not know where to find the appropriate support.<br />
..<br />
Age group<br />
Possible reactions<br />
Useful advice<br />
0 to 5 years old<br />
They cry more frequently;<br />
Irritability (Tantrum);<br />
Regressive behaviour (do not want to eat by themselves,<br />
suck their thumb, etc.);<br />
They change their sleeping habits;<br />
More possessive;<br />
They feel that the routine is broken;<br />
They fear that the parent will not return (Insecurity);<br />
Record the voice of the absent spouse.<br />
Give them more attention, especially at<br />
the beginning of the <strong>absence</strong>.<br />
Reassure them (confirm that the<br />
<strong>absence</strong> is only temporary).<br />
Answer your children’s questions.<br />
5 to 6 years old<br />
They feel guilty about the parent’s departure;<br />
Higher anxiety;<br />
Increase in a aggressive behaviour;<br />
Inattentive and dream while awaked;<br />
Tantrums are still present.<br />
Recognize your child’s emotions.<br />
Confirm (ex: it is correct to feel like that).<br />
Keep realistic expectations regarding<br />
their outputs in school or at home.<br />
Let the crisis pass before providing an<br />
emotive support and start again the<br />
communication.<br />
13
Age group<br />
5 to 6 years old<br />
7 to 10 years old<br />
Possible reaction<br />
Deep sadness and difficulty in comforting themselves;<br />
Feeling of being abandoned<br />
(fear that the parent will not return);<br />
Useful advice<br />
Make sure the child knows that the<br />
deployed parent did not leave because<br />
of he/she does not love them.<br />
Encourage the child to communicate<br />
<strong>with</strong> the absent parent.<br />
Reassure the child.<br />
11 to 12 years old<br />
Insecurity;<br />
Let them know that the deployed parent is leaving to do a<br />
special job for our country and that he/she plans to return<br />
as soon as possible;<br />
Feeling of being abandoned;<br />
Impression to be a burden;<br />
Feeling isolated;<br />
Defying authority;<br />
Let your children express their fears<br />
and sadness.<br />
Standardize emotions, (ex: it is normal<br />
that you have sorrows, mom / dad too?!)<br />
Be honest <strong>with</strong> your own emotions. Do<br />
not hide them to your children. It will<br />
help them affirming their own emotions.<br />
Reassure them.<br />
Let them communicate<br />
<strong>with</strong> the absent parent.<br />
Trust them and give them<br />
new responsibilities.<br />
They feel that their needs are too much or not enough<br />
fulfilled;<br />
Fear that something might happen to the remaining parent,<br />
such as sickness or death;<br />
Anger towards the remaining parent or the deployed one;<br />
They experience some difficulties in their relationships<br />
<strong>with</strong> others (friends, teachers, etc.).<br />
Define <strong>with</strong> them their needs and make<br />
sure they are realistic.<br />
Keep the same level of discipline and<br />
do not blame the absent parent. Ask for<br />
their support.<br />
Support the expression of their anger in<br />
an acceptable manner.<br />
14
Age group<br />
Possible reaction<br />
Useful advice<br />
13 to 18 years old Feeling of being abandoned, isolated, and emptiness;<br />
Feeling of anger or rage particularly if the present parent<br />
experiences difficulty of managing the <strong>absence</strong> or if the<br />
responsibilities and house rules are becoming stricter<br />
for the teenager;<br />
Do not have too high expectations.<br />
Give them responsibilities according to<br />
their age. Give them the right to express<br />
their anger or rage in an acceptable<br />
manner.<br />
Feeling of being responsible for the family;<br />
Culpability and depression;<br />
More distant, often outside the house.<br />
ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS<br />
Here are some activities to plan <strong>with</strong> your family during a deployment.<br />
Calendar<br />
Help your child count the days until mom or dad’s return. Handcraft a calendar or use one you already have on hand.<br />
Each day, your child draws a smiley face, a sun, or puts funny stickers on the calendar<br />
and for the parent’s return day; he or she can draw a star.<br />
Deployment Map<br />
Before your departure, you can copy a map of the location where you will be deployed.<br />
With your children, draw the route you will be traveling. They will have the impression of traveling <strong>with</strong> you.<br />
“Jelly beans” Jar<br />
Count the number of days between the departure day and the return for the vacation. Put in a jar as much “Jelly beans”<br />
(or any other candy) as the remaining days. Everyday, the child eats a candy and will realize that the quantity decreases.<br />
Repeat for the other half of the deployment.<br />
The chain links<br />
Count the number of days between the deployment and the return for the vacation.<br />
Make a chain equalizing the number of links and days left. Everyday, the child can remove a link.<br />
15
Some funny ideas<br />
Family stress box<br />
When the members of the family seem a little stressed, why not do something out of the ordinary?<br />
Create a “stress box” that contains a variety of ideas such as:<br />
Do a picnic in the middle of the living room;<br />
Put your bathing as you awere going to the suit beach and have fun in the bathtub;<br />
Eat your meal starting by the dessert.<br />
Family meeting<br />
Once a week, reserve one special day for your family. It is a good time to plan a fun activity such as a dinner at a restaurant,<br />
going to the movies, simply relaxing at home in pyjamas while playing board games, or watching a good movie.<br />
Communication night<br />
Communication is very important to keep your family bond together and it can be very amusing too. Choose an evening and put<br />
together a parcel, write a journal, or create a video or an audiotape for your loved one.<br />
BIBLIOGRAPHY REFERENCES<br />
VESTAL Logan, Kathleen, Le cycle émotionnel d’un déploiement.<br />
LESTER, Marianne, Quand papa va revenir à la maison.<br />
Les 3 cahiers d’activités ont été traduits de l’anglais au français. Les originaux proviennent de Scriptographic Booklets by Channing L.<br />
Bete Co. Inc. Voici les titres originaux : Military families are special, Until your parent comes home again et Your parent is coming home.<br />
Un déploiement moins stressant, Directeur des services de santé (soins) 1994.<br />
Guide pour la famille, Édition III, Plan de soutien du commandement de la force terrestre, Opérations maintien de la paix.<br />
Programme Carrousel. Mieux vivre une <strong>absence</strong> prolongée ateliers d’information,<br />
Centre Multi-Services des ressources familiales de Valcartier, Juin 1993.<br />
CRFM DE LA RCN, site web (1999) section déploiement.<br />
www.mfrc.ncr.org/français/deployment.html.<br />
PAQUETTE, Cheryl, Deployment coordinator, CRFM à Petawawa, The Deployment Ressource Manuel, (2002).<br />
16
NOTES<br />
17
NOTES<br />
18
CRFM Bagotville / MFRC Bagotville<br />
CP. 280 Alouette (Québec) G0V 1A0<br />
418 677-7468 • 418 677-4468<br />
www.crfmbagotville.com<br />
Conception: