Coping With Deployment at Home

Deployment is a challenging time for spouses at home, too. Often, the best way to cope is to stay healthy and maintain the routines established before your spouse's deployment.

Stay Healthy

You'll need energy to manage your household while your spouse is away. Be sure to take extra care of your physical and emotional health.

Eat a healthy diet. Continue to make balanced family meals — don't fall into the fast-food habit. Exercise regularly to relieve stress and stay fit.

Set aside time for yourself to recharge your mind and body. This includes getting enough rest, but can also mean keeping up with a hobby or just going to the movie theater once in a while. Keeping a journal for yourself may also help you think clearly about your emotions and experiences.

Establish Routines

Try to keep to the same schedule as always. If you normally eat dinner at 6:00 and go to bed at 10:00 while your spouse is home, continue to do so while they are away.

Don't let discipline go by the wayside. Separation doesn't mean children can misbehave — expect your children to follow the same rules they did before your spouse's deployment.

Let your children help you with chores and responsibilities. Often, they know that things are difficult and want to contribute to the family. Let them know how much you love them and appreciate their help.

Remember to make time for family fun, as well. Don't cancel Friday-night pizza night just because your spouse isn't there. And remember that it's O.K. to laugh.

Use Your Resources

There are a multitude of online and offline resources available to help spouses and families cope with deployment. Look online, talk with friends in similar situations, or look for support groups on base that can help you, and your children, cope.

Online Support for Military Spouses:

• Military Spouse Magazine: www.milspouse.com
• National Military Family Association: www.nmfa.org

(from USAA)