Planes, Trains, and Other Toys
I love to play with you! When you are away, I can see you when we use the computer to talk. That helps, yet how much can we talk about when I am so little? So, why not play with…
Scent of You
I am comforted just by your smell. If you have to leave me for any length of time, like a deployment, why not leave me with something that smells like you! Perhaps it can be one of your t-shirts you…
Kissing Hand
In the book The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, the Mamma Raccoon reassures her young child that her kiss in the palm of his hand can help him when he starts to miss her; all he has to do is…
Yellow Ribbon
You can help me show how proud I am of my deployed parent by helping me to make a yellow ribbon. Yellow ribbons have come to be recognized as a symbol that someone you love is away serving their country.…
Talk to Me
Did you know that I can recognize your voice as a newborn? Even before I am born, I can hear the sounds around me. When I am only minutes old, I will turn toward my mother’s voice over other sounds…
Bubbles, Bubbles
I can have lots of fun trying to pop the bubbles that you blow! Buy some bubbles at the toy store, or you can look up how to make your own bubble soap on the Internet. It is always best…
Sing a Little Song to Think of Me
Did you know music is one of the best ways to trigger our memories? You can help me think about you and remember you by singing a song with me! Pick any simple song, a silly song or a loving…
Look How Big I Am!
I am growing so fast. When my parent deploys, I want to make sure you remember me especially since I am changing so fast! This is a two-part activity; the first takes place before deployment, and the second takes place…
Dream of Me
If I am old enough to scribble, I will have lots of fun making this project. If I am not old enough to scribble, I can still do this project but will need lots of help. Take 2 pillowcases—white or…
Hand in Hand
Make a great keepsake, and help me to remember my parent who is getting ready to deploy! You can use either white Crayola Model Magic Clay™ or other moldable materials such as plaster of Paris, available at most craft stores.…
Activity Bag
I am getting to be so big! Sometimes you might be fooled into thinking I am all grown up! But I still don’t have the ability to sit still for long periods of time. An activity bag is just the…
Activity Bag
It is so hard for me to wait, I don’t have the ability to sit still and be patient! You can help me by bringing an activity bag wherever we go. It doesn’t have to be big; in fact, it…
Activity Bag
I am so little, I don’t have patience! You can help me by taking an activity bag wherever we go. It doesn’t have to be big; in fact, you might be able to fit it in my diaper bag! Pick…
Cozy Corner
A cozy corner is a great place for me to go when I feel like I need some quiet time, when I want some cuddle time, or when I am feeling overwhelmed by my emotions. I can go to my…
Cozy Corner
When I was first born I didn’t really need a cozy corner, but as I move around more, crawling and cruising along the furniture, a cozy corner will be a nice place for me to go when I need to…
Help Me with New Rules and Limits
Age-appropriate rules let me know what to expect, which helps me to feel safe, secure, and in control. It is important that you set limits and are consistent in enforcing rules with me now. You can help me cope with…