Welcome Home! When A Deployed Parent Returns

The moment everyone in the family has been looking forward to, praying for, waiting for is finally here. Just throw your arms out and enjoy, right? ...Well, mostly.


When emotions are running high and there are a lot of expectations tied to a situation, a little preparation is a good idea. Here are some tips to help you make the return of a deployed parent a more joyful experience for everyone.

For the at-home parent:

• Alert children to appropriate expectations for the reunion.
• Involve children in planning welcome home celebrations.
• Ensure quality time and plan activities.
• Alert parent-Soldier to changes in children.

For the soldier:

• Take it slow, do not force affection
  
• Take care of yourself
  
• Look for ways to interact that are pleasing
  
• Plan quality time with each child
  
• Model caring interactions between the parents

We are honored that the Flower Feelings are being used on military bases to help children of deployed parents understand and cope with their feelings.