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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
I Know You
When we get to talk on the phone, or talk over the computer, I feel like you don’t always know what to say to me. I am so little, and I don’t have many words to share with you yet.…
Just Breathe
It is amazing what breathing can do for you when you are feeling tense, worried, flustered, or stressed. Take the time to do two cleansing breaths. To do this, relax your body as much as you are able. Concentrate on…
Hear the Music
Pick music that you find relaxing, preferably music without any singing. Get comfortable, either sitting or lying down, and listen to the music. Try to slow your breathing; let it follow the beat of the music. Listen to the instruments…
“Must Do” or “Want to Do” List
Parenting is a very demanding and busy job! It isn’t the only thing you have to do, either. Make a list every day of what you think you have to do. Then, review your list. If there is anything that…
Quiet Time
Get in the habit of taking a “quiet time” every day when your child has quiet time. As you create your child’s routine of nap time, he will understand how important it is if he sees you also slowing down,…
It Takes a Village
Most children who aren’t military connected grow up not far from grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and lifelong family friends. When you are military, you move frequently and can’t rely on the usual extended family support for daily life. As…
Parent Helper
It is often difficult to parent alone, and there are times you need a little help. Even if you don’t work outside of your home and don’t require child care, there will be times when you want to get out…