Things You'll Need:
- Photo albums
- Videos
- DVDs
- Stories
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Step 1
Make several small photo albums. You can purchase photo albums that are small enough for a child to carry around and look at on their own. If enough, the children can help you put together the photo albums together. Photo cubes, key chains and framed pictures of the soldier with the child are also ways of reinforcing the presence of the parent.
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Step 2
For infants, have a relative video the soldier interacting with the child before the soldier leaves. Make several hours of videos and DVDs that show the family at play, talking to each other and spending time together. This will allow the child to see the parent and hear their voice.
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Step 3
Make several audio tapes or CDs. Record the parent reading stories or talking about themselves or the family. They can sing songs, say a prayer or just tell the child how much they miss and love them.
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Step 4
Send letters back and forth. When my cousin was stationed in Iraq, my son and his class "adopted" Jeff and his entire ship as pen pals. Each member of the class would make a card or draw a picture and mail them as a group to the sailors on Jeff's ship each week. In return, several soldiers would mail post cards, letters or photos to the class. The kids learned about the men and women on the ship and the sailors knew that they were thought of, even though they were far from home.
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Step 5
Celebrate the soldier's birthday, anniversary or other family events, just as if they were there. Hang photographs and banners. Tell stories. Let the kids know that it's OK to miss their parents and talk about how they feel. Be honest with them about what is happening to the family member who's away.
