Reintegrating with Children Module Four Three Things Identifying Concerns Growth and Change Reintegration Tips How Old Is Your Child? Common Concerns Has my absence hurt my children? Will my child know me? How are they going to act? How will I become part of the family? How can I make up for lost time? Will we get along? Activity: Opportunity Ladder Commit to an action that will get you to your goal Commit to a more deliberate action Take a baby step toward your goal Infants - cry, fuss or pull away 1 to 3 - shy or clingy 3 to 5 - need time to warm up 6 to 12 - excited, extremely talkative Teens - too cool to show excitement Childrens Reactions and Concerns What Parents Can Do Manage Discipline Go Slowly Get Involved Show Appreciation Get Help Blended Families Lower expectations Unite with your partner Build trust and respect Ease into your role Form a new family identity Use your resources Activity: My, Have You Grown! Socially Independence Physically Emotionally Managing Expectations Discuss changes with your partner Maintain daily routines Ask your child to help Talk about new rules Share new rules with the family Go easy on child discipline The best way to know what a child is thinking is to interact when they are most comfortable Communication and Quality Time Activity: Brown Bag TV show Best friend Band or musician Food Game or toy Hairstyle Movie Dance 1.Honor developmental ages and stages 2.Ask the at-home parent about changes 3.Appreciate your childs contribution 4.Maintain routines and ask your child for help 5.Ask your partner for suggestions Reintegration Tips 6.Celebrate growth and normalize change 7.Encourage the sharing of feelings 8.Discuss changes as a family 9.Be patient 10.Focus on loving your child Reintegration Tips Parenting education and support Prenatal to younger than age 4 Voluntary program Professional home visitor Promotes resiliency Priority for deployed families New Parent Support Home Visitation Program Thank You!