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

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

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

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

5. Presented by Connie Moore 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

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

7. Presented by Connie Moore 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?

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

9. Presented by Connie Moore 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

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

11. Presented by Connie Moore 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

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

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 Presented by Connie Moore Danger Signs Depression – chronic flat feeling Isolation – withdrawn Rage – unexplained anger Anxiety – unusually nervous, tense, fearful Startle Response – unusual reaction to noise Sleep Problems – too much---to little Post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

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

15. Presented by Connie Moore 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

16. Presented by Connie Moore 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

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

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