Deployments can be tough on military kiddos! So, we should do what we can to try to help them cope and process this big change in their little world!

Things You Could Include on a Deployment Wall or Corner:

• 2 Clocks
  • Showing your time – “Here”
  • Showing their time – “There”
• A Map
  • Mark your location and their location
• Pictures
  • Pictures of the family
  • Pictures of the member (on location can be cool)
• A Countdown
  • A jar of kisses with a kiss for each night they are gone
  • A jar of hugs with a hug for each night they are gone
  • Create a paper chain from construction paper with one link for each day they are supposed to be gone that gets removed daily
  • Chalkboard or Dry Erase Board to change the day until they return daily
• Mommy Mail/Daddy Mail Envelope
  • Get a priority envelope from the USPS to display/hang
  • Kids create pictures and/or write letters and put in the envelope
  • Once the envelope is full, send to the member
  • Repeat until they come back
• Small Table & Chairs
  • Coloring supplies
  • Writing supplies
• Pillows
  • Personalized Pillows (pictures/sayings)
  • Comfy Pillows
  • Beanbag Chairs
• Book Nook
  • Books that Talk about Deployments:
    • I’ll Lend You My Daddy: A Deployment Boko for Kids Ages 4-8
    • Sometimes I Want A Hug: A therapeutic deployment book for military families (male)
    • Sometimes I Want A Hug: A therapeutic deployment book for military families (female)
    • Night Catch
    • Never “Goodbye.” Always “See You Later!”
    • I Love You Near and Far (Snuggle Time Stories, 4)
    • Superheroes’ Kids: When Dad is Deployed
    • Why I Must Go: A Book to Help Children with Military Deployment
    • Deployment: One of Our Pieces is Missing: A Picture Book About the Challenging and Fun Changes a Military Family Goes Through
    • I Miss You!: A Military Kid’s Book About Deployment
    • While You Were Gone…A Writing and Drawing Deployment Journal for Kids
    • When You Are Away
    • Bear Hugs and Goodbyes: Dealing with Deployment
    • My Dad’s Deployment: A Deployment and Reunion Activity Book for Young Children

Don’t forget about the Mommy/Daddy Dolls! They can be purchased at any time, but many times, the base’s Military & Family Readiness Center may have vouchers to get one during a member’s deployment. Check with your local installations office to see what is available.

Additionally, many installations offer monthly or quarterly activities for families who are geographically separated. I have seen trips to museums, zoos, local professional games, local farms, and more. I have seen special events for different holidays and celebrations. Make sure to check your local Military & Family Readiness Center for additional information about programs like Hearts Apart and/or other programs they may offer during these separations.

We know that deployments can be rough on the whole family and we hope that you can utilize some of these ideas to help make it be a little easier to get through this time. We are here for you and send you all hugs for support!

Explore More with My Military Lifestyle and Family!