At IHG® Army Hotels, we know how exciting it can be to have a loved one return home from deployment. But we also understand that these reunions aren’t always easy. Service members have had a wealth of new experiences, and families have adapted to their absence. So, with some help from the Department of Defense’s Military Deployment Guide, here are six simple tips that will make your family member’s return as smooth as possible.
1. Patience is Key
While on deployment, service members experience an entirely different lifestyle. Returning to the flow of life at home won’t happen overnight, so be patient as they re-adjust.
2. Keep Up Activities
While your family member was on deployment, you may have gotten a job, picked up a new hobby, or assumed new responsibilities. It may be tempting to de-prioritize these activities, but it’s important to keep doing the things you enjoy and value. Adjustment doesn’t mean falling back into your old life immediately.
3. Talk to Other Military Families
You’re not in this alone: if you’re looking for tips, or just need a friendly ear, remember that you have an entire network of military families who have experienced the same transition who are likely eager to help.
4. Show Appreciation
Words of affirmation and appreciation go a long way. Make it a habit to tell your family member just how grateful and proud you are of him or her.
5. Keep an Eye on Spending
Your family member’s return is certainly cause for celebration, but with so many heightened emotions, it can be easy to forget about some of the more ordinary adjustments you’ll have to make with an additional person in the house, like budgeting for more food, higher water and electricity bills, etc. Another item to factor in is that your family member’s compensation is different based on his or her deployment status, so preparing for a decrease in income can also help to avoid potentially stressful situations in the future.
6. Manage Expectations
Readjusting can be different for every service member, and every family. Though things may not go how you envisioned, try to be flexible and prepare for the transition to take some time. Being mindful of your expectations is key to helping the process go smoothly.
Keeping these tips in mind should help you and your family navigate the transition back from deployment. For more information on dealing with the complexities of deployment, check out the full Military Deployment Guide here.