Field Problem: Preparing for a Parent to Leave

Dear, Field Problems:

My husband is leaving for basic in a few weeks. Between basic and AIT, he will be gone about eight months. We have a 2-year-old and a 15-month-old. I am wanting some advice on how to prepare and make the separation easier on my oldest. I know this isn’t a deployment by any stretch of the imagination, but communication will be limited. Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated!

Bethany, Army spouse

Dear, Bethany:

First of all, welcome to Army life! It can feel like a roller coaster ride at times, but it can be so rewarding. I totally understand how daunting it can feel to face an absence of a parent and how difficult it can be to explain that to a toddler.

Fortunately, this is something that our followers know a lot about, so we’ve posted your question to our Facebook page so that others can tell you what has worked for them.

Here are some of their great responses:

“Daddy dolls! My kids loved theirs! All three of my little kids had them during deployments and took them everywhere. They’re especially great with the voice boxes.” —Lora

“Don’t call it work, say basic training and AIT. I know they won’t understand what those are, but it helps when their parent gets home. That way, your child won’t associate work with being gone for long periods of time. Maybe create a few video messages of their parent saying hi, miss you, love you, since he won’t be able to call often during basic.” –Annette

“We did a Skittles countdown. Each night they ate one. It got really exciting when they noticed amount of Skittles lessened. We also took a lot of videos of their dad and the kids together before he left.” –Alicia

“My husband left recently for basic training and OCS for about six months. My 4- and 2-year-olds love their Build-A-Bear stuffed animals with Daddy’s recorded message inside. That’s been the best thing for us. My 4-year-old son has also enjoyed the books Night Catch and My Daddy’s a Hero.” –Whitney

You can find more follower responses here.

We want to wish you a warm welcome to this new Army life. You’re always welcome to hang out with us and our awesome followers on our Facebook page or search Army Wife Network on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Can also visit search Army Wife Talk Radio on your favorite podcast app and listen to us when you’re on the go!