HOMECOMING AND REUNION

1. HOMECOMING AND REUNION Prepare for challenges, minimize problems, maximize the positive Presented by Connie Moore

2. Introduction • Establish realistic expectations • Recognize symptoms of stress • Identify helpful and reliable resources Presented by Connie Moore

3. Reunion Joys and Concerns • The reuniting of people after a period of separation. • Focus on Joys • Focus on Concerns Presented by Connie Moore

4. Getting Back Together • Barriers • Communication • Reactions Tears work kids sex stress visits sleep $$$ time Presented by Connie Moore

5. Ways to Communicate • Phone, email, cards, letters • What do you say? • Ask for what you want – both ways • Express your concerns • State what you enjoyed • Express your expectations – get feed back Presented by Connie Moore

6. Expectations of Change • Crisis • Threat • Avoidance or Denial, Blame others = DEADEND • Or Hidden Opportunity • Acknowledgement • Action = Beginning Presented by Connie Moore

7. ADJUSTMENTS • How will it feel? • How will the kids react? • How will your soldier’s return affect things? • Have you changed? • What will the biggest change be? Presented by Connie Moore

8. Stress Symptoms How did you feel physically? What was your mental attitude? How did you act toward other people? Presented by Connie Moore

9. Children and Stress Infants/toddlers: • Cry, change in sleep/eating, pull away or cling, tantrums, don’t recognize returning parent • Preschoolers: • Anger, acting out, demanding, want reassurance • School age: • Excitement, anger, anxiety • Adolescents: • Excitement, rebellion Presented by Connie Moore

10. Stress – Coping Skills • Communication • Listen • Talk • Take things slowly • Let things happen naturally • Be accepting Presented by Connie Moore

11. Coping • Remember mixed feelings (for everyone) are the norm • Allow individual readjustment • Continue to talk, listen, reassure • Continue to maintain routines and rules • Have children prepare things for returning parent • Plan reintegration activities/welcome home celebration Presented by Connie Moore

12. INTIMACY • Go slowly • Get reacquainted • Examine expectations • Attend PREP Presented by Connie Moore

13. Danger Signs • Depression – chronic flat feeling • Isolation – withdrawn • Rage – unexplained anger • Anxiety – unusually nervous, tense, fearful • Startle Response – unusual reaction to noise • Sleep Problems – too much---to little Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Presented by Connie Moore

14. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder MILITARY ONE SOURCE USE ALL POSSIBLE RESOURCES CALL MAKE APPOINTMENT ATTEND SEMINARS Presented by Connie Moore

15. WEB addresses • http://mfrc.calib.com/healthyparenting • http://afcrossroads.com/famseparation • http://www.daads.com • http://momsovermiles.com • http://www.cyfert.org • http://www.pbs.org/parents/issueadvice/war • http://zerotothree.org/coping • http://www.redcross.org Presented by Connie Moore

16. Where to Get More Information • Family Support Center 301-981-7087 • Military Unit • HAWC 240-857-5601 • Child & Youth Programs 301-981-9725 • Chaplains 301-981-2111 • Life Skills 240-857-7186 • Family Advocacy 240-857-9680 Presented by Connie Moore

17. Summary • Joys and Concerns • Ways to Communicate • Stress and Coping • Resources Presented by Connie Moore

18. Conclusion • Question and Answer period • Critique • Materials Presented by Connie Moore