I may be saying that sometimes I need a break from thinking about the separation, and I have other things to think about and do. To support me, please understand that my need for “staying-connected” activities may change from day…
When I hesitate to look at or talk to my injured parent or, I shy away from touching, hugging, or kissing my injured parent, I may be saying, “It’s been a long time. I need time to reconnect.” You can support…
You may wonder about how I am feeling when I giggle, laugh, and play even though my parent is deployed. What I may be saying is, “Even though my Mom is gone, there is so much for me to see and do and…
When I peek at my injured parent in the hospital bed, then look away, then peek again, what I may be saying is, “I’m starting to reconnect.” You can support me by giving me time. I will let you know…
When I cry, hesitate, pull away from/act afraid of my parent who has just come home, what I may be saying is, “I need time to get to know you again and to feel safe and at ease with you.”…
When I stare at someone’s scarred face or prosthesis, what I may be saying is, “I’m trying to understand and learn about something that is new to me. I’m worried something like that might happen to me.” You can support…
When I cry and get fussy when there is a lot of noise and/or people around, I may be saying, “It is upsetting—hard for me to take it all in.” You can support me by keeping my daily routines consistent.…
What I may be saying is, “I’m curious. I’m ready for more information.” You can support me by answering in simple words I can understand. “That machine helps Mommy breathe.”
I may be saying, “What’s going on here?” You can support me, especially when you first leave military service and so much is changing, by telling me what is happening in clear and simple words. “Mommy is coming home and…
When I get very upset when I fall or get a boo-boo, what I may be saying is, “I’m afraid my body is injured, too.” You can support me by being matter-of-fact. Reassure me that you will take care of…
When I pull away or act afraid of my veteran parent, what I may be saying is, “I need time to get to know you again and to feel safe and at ease with you.” You can support me by…
What I may be saying is, “I am trying to figure out what is happening. I am trying to get a sense of some control over all that is going on.” You can support me by joining in my play.…
When I cry and get fussy when there is a lot of noise and/or people around, I may be saying, “It is upsetting—hard for me to take in all of the changes.” You can support me by keeping my daily…
When I show interest, curiosity, or desire to help with caring for my injured parent, I may be saying, “I want to help. I like to feel confident and competent.” You can support me by giving me tasks I can…
I may be saying, “I feel tension. Something is going on.” or “I’m trying to understand what’s going on and feel a little in control of my life.” You can help me by offering simple, clear words for what is…
I may be saying, “I feel tension. Something is going on.” or “I’m trying to understand what’s going on and feel a little in control of my life.” You can help me by offering simple, clear words for what is…
