Coping with a spouse's deployment is the military parent's most difficult task. Find parent support and information for the challenges associated with deployment.
*Note to Civilian Families - If you live near a military base, you may want to contact the base to find opportunities to support the families of our soldiers. If you have a friend or coworker who is a military spouse, ask how you can help. Perhaps you could get together with others to honor this family with a special treat, such as movie tickets and dinner out. You can help support our service men and women through AdoptAPlatoon.org. You can also donate to the USO, American Red Cross, or individual service relief funds to support our troops. Find the links to these organizations on the About U.S. Military site.
Preparing the Family For Deployment
Pre-Deployment Soldier/Spouse Checklist Operation Ready (PDF document)
Family Member Pre-Deployment Checklist More detailed checklist from the American Bar Association
How to Cope with Sudden Deployments LIFELines
Deployment Survival Handbook Lots of nitty-gritty info from Operation Ready (PDF document)
Family Separation and Readiness Air Force Crossroads
Advice for Stepparents When Their Spouse Is Being Deployed Sgt. Moms
Solo Parenting While Your Spouse is Deployed
Children's Printable Books for Coping with Separation from the Military Parent Choose the workbook for your child's age. Army Community Service Deployment Readiness
Children and Deployment: Staying in Touch LIFELines
Your Children and Separation Military.com
Dad's Away Again Things kids can do to stay connected to their parent during deployment
Military Parents - The Part-Time Single Parent About Single Parents
Helping Children Cope with Fears of War and Terrorism About Parenting of K-6 Children
Coping with Loneliness, Stress, Anxiety, and Fear
Coping with Separation Operation Ready (PDF document)
Coping with Effects of Deployment Online Course The Homefront Project
Long Distance Couples Fun ideas and advice for maintaining your relationship
Deployment Stress Coping ideas from Sgt. Moms
So What Do We Do with the Fear? MilitaryWives.com ezine
Care Package Ideas Creative ideas from Sgt. Moms
While Your Spouse Is Away, Watch What You Say Staying safe from Sgt. Moms
Tips for Spouses Before and During Deployment Kathie's Fresh Deployment Survival Guide
Military Care Package Ideas Angela has hundreds of great ideas
More Care Package Ideas Marine Corps Family Network
Finding Support
Staying Informed During Deployments LIFELines
Whine and Cheese Forum Very active at CinCHouse
Air Force Crossroads Spouse Network Forum Bulletin Board for Air Force spouse support
Military Wives Enduring Freedom Support Forum Look for Enduring Freedom Msg Boards in the left navigation frame for an active support forum.
Solo Ops Military Wives Support Forum Check out the Solo Ops Survival Guide for Military Wives ebook while you're here.