Involvement

Show interest in one another’s lives. If one or both parents must be away from home for periods of time, stay in touch by letter, phone, or tape.

Readiness

Devise a family plan in order to be prepared for deployments and other changes common to military life.

Spend Time Together

Share meals, do household chores together, and enjoy recreational activities as a family. You don’t get every day as a family while serving in the Navy, make the best of the time you have.

Homecomings

___Talk to each other and listen.

___Remember that previously unresolved problems may surface.

___Support good things your friends/partner/family have done.

___Go slowly when when re-establishing your place with friends/family.

___Curb any desires to take immediate control.

___Go easy on stories about where you’ve been/what you’ve done. Expect a little envy.

___Give each other a little space.

___Expect that things that worked before might not work now.

Share

Involve all family members in responsibilities and decisions about issues effecting family life.

Services

Make use of your installation’s Family Service Center for support and information on military family life. Take advantage of special programs and activities the military provides.

Pride

Celebrate one another’s successes. Encourage family members to be their best.

Encouragement

Support each other and be good listeners to promote understanding and self-worth.