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The
American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces helps
military members and military families cope with
separation and other special needs related to service in
the armed forces. Services include around-the-clock,
around-the-world communication between military members
and their families; neutral, impartial assistance,
including comfort and counseling; independent
verification of emergency situations; and financial
assistance and referrals for emergency travel and other
family needs.
If you
reside in Aurora, Brule, Davison, Douglas, Hanson,
Hutchinson, or Sanborn county and need to reach a
service man or woman please call 1-800-951-5600 for
assistance.
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Military Spouses
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 Do
something special to welcome your spouse
home-help the children make a welcome
banner, make your spouse's favorite dessert,
etc., but be understanding and flexible if
your spouse is too tired to notice.
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Give your spouse time to adjust to being
home. Don't tightly schedule activities for
them. Don't expect them to take on all their
old chores right away. Understand that your
spouse may need time to adjust to a
different time zone, a change in food, etc.
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Plan on some family togetherness time.
Suggest a picnic or a special family meal.
Time together helps the returning spouse to
get back into the rhythm of family life.
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Be patient and tolerant with your spouse. He
or she may not do things exactly as before.
New experiences during deployment may bring
changes to attitude and outlook.
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Stick to your household budget. Don't spend
money you don't have on celebrating your
spouse's return. Show you care through your
time and effort.
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Don't be surprised if your spouse is a
little hurt by how well you were able to run
the household and manage the children
without them. Let them know that your
preference is to share family and household
responsibilities with them no matter how
well you did on your own.
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Stay involved with your children's school
activities and interests. Don't neglect the
children's need for attention as you are
becoming reacquainted with your spouse.
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Stay involved in your own activities and
interests, but be flexible about making time
for your spouse.
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Don't be surprised if children test the
limits of the family rules when your spouse
returns. It's normal for children to want to
find out how things may have changed by
acting up a bit. Consistent enforcement of
family rules and even-handed discipline are
key to dealing with acting out
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Remember:
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Go slowly - don't try to make up for lost
time
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Accept that your partner may be different
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Intimate relationships may be awkward at
first
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Take time to get reacquainted
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Forget your fantasies
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Reassure your children
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Seek help for family members if needed
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