Published on 05/3/2006

Learning that your active duty soldier is being deployed whether long or short term can impact both you and your family (especially) young children in ways you never imagined. As a military spouse married to the military, you must find a way(s) to cope with this sometimes heavy burden. Can you do it? Yes you can. This article provides some tips and resources to help keep you empowered during a time when might otherwise feel alone and unsupported.

5 Tips for Coping with the Deployment of your Active Duty Soldier

1. Cry and get it out of your system

2. Find ways to channel your energies in a positive light:
       - take college courses
       - attend self-development workshops and seminars
       - take care of yourself and your health
       - write letters to your soldier (the old fashion way or use email, if available)
       - start an online virtual business

3. Connect with positive people, find ways to inspire and empower each other
       - establish an online support network for like minds
       - start a book club
       - volunteer your time on base, at your favorite civic organization, or at your childs school

4. Use this time to get your personal credit and finances in order
       - order your personal credit reports
       - clear up any discrepancies
       - pay off accounts with small balances
       - open or start contributing to a family savings account
       - use this time to prepare your family for home-buying, retirement, or ETS

5. Spend quality time with your children
       - keep photos of mom/dad around in view so your children can see them
       - tell your children that mom/dad loves them very much
       - cook a fun meal
       - schedule activities to the zoo, library, museums, bookstore

This list is by no means exhaustive. If you’d like to add to it, I’d love to hear your comments. The key here is to keep busy, stay occupied, and before you know it, your solider is back home.

The reality is that long-term separations are a part of the military lifestyle and as a military spouse married to an active duty solider, you have to find way(s) to cope during these times. If you find that you are having a difficult time coping, get some help and support immediately by contacting your family support group, go online to www.militaryonesource.com or call militaryonesource toll free 24/7 at: 1-800-342-9647.

Additional Support Resources:

About the Writer:
Victoria Parham is a retired military spouse, Army veteran, talk radio host, president and chief technology officer for VSSCyberOffice.com, a virtual business startup consultancy and entrepreneurial training firm specializing in portable careers and virtual business statup training. Check them out online at www.vsscyberoffice.com.