When one of my parents is away, it can be really hard to predict when they’ll be able to call or see me on video. Especially when I am really little and sleeping so much, my parent who is away…
Even though there are screens almost everywhere (TV, tablets, and phones), I really shouldn’t watch any screens until I turn 18 months old. Even then, I shouldn’t watch very much – and, you should watch things with me and talk…
You probably aren’t the only person who takes care of me. I might have another parent, grandparents, older siblings, aunts, uncles, a day care provider, or other people who care about me who help take care of me too. While…
As I grow up, you’ll see that some things I seem to do earlier than other babies my age. Other times, it might seem I take a little longer to do certain things. Every baby will develop on their own…
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…
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…
When I do things you don’t understand, like push you away then cry for you, I may be saying, “I miss my parent who is away, and I worry that you will leave me too.” I worry that my parent…
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…
I may be saying, “There is so much going on!” You can help me by keeping my routine the same, as much as you can. This will help me to know what comes next. Even if we aren’t at home,…
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.…
When I go back to earlier behaviors, such as wanting a bottle again after I have been drinking from a cup, or refusing to use the potty after I have been successful at potty training, what I may be saying…
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…
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…
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…
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.”…
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…
