Changes in Relationships

1
Return and Reunion

• Changes in Relationships
• and Communicating

2
Objectives

• To identify challenges of return and reunion
• To identify barriers to communication
• To develop positive communication strategies
  while readjusting

3
Agenda

• Challenges of Return and Reunion
• Communicating
• Family Readjustments

4
Challenges of Return and Reunion
5
Challenges of Return and Reunion

• Expectations for Reunion
• Reunion can be as stressful as the deployment
• Reunion expectations may be different from
  reality

6
Re-Deployment Behavior Reactions
Challenges of Return and Reunion

• SOLDIER
• Ready to complete the mission
• Renewed difficulty making decisions
• Expectations may be high
• Safety concerns

• FAMILY
• Burst of energy
• Completion of to-do lists
• Renewed difficulty making decisions
• Expectations may be high

7
Communicating
8
Communicating

• How Do People Communicate?

9
Communicating

• Effective Communication Skills
• Tune in - Give your full attention
• Listen - Try to understand the underlying
  message/feelings
• Give feedback - Repeat what you understood to be
  the main message/feelings
• Respond - Listen to feedback on what you just said

10
Communicating

• Communicating in Changing Relationships
• Communicate openly and honestly
• Avoid criticizing and competing
• Approach adults as equals
• Dont expect old problems to go away

11
Family Readjustments
12
Family Readjustments

• Identify and Accept Change
• People grow and change
• Communication may be difficult at first
• Roles and responsibilities may have changed
• Interests may have changed
• Expectations for family time may have changed

13
Family Readjustments

• Develop a Family Transition Plan
• Do something special to welcome your Soldier
• Give Soldier adjustment time
• Stick to your household budget
• Plan family time together
• Stay involved in your own activities and
  interests

14
Family Readjustments

• Parents Relationship with the Soldier
• Allow your Soldier time to adjust and listen to
  their experiences
• Take interest in their plans for the future
• Give them respect
• Acknowledge their accomplishments

15
Family Readjustments

• Strategies to Help Children Cope
• Let the child set the pace Go slow!
• Spend quality 11 time with your children daily
• Work as a team on areas that need improvement
• Provide firm guidance and discipline
• Focus on strengths and positive changes
• Affirm new levels of independence
• Validate their feelings

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Family Readjustments

• Reestablishing Marital Relationships
• Take time to get to know each other again
• Discuss negative feelings and frustrations
• Involve your Soldier in decision-making
• Focus on what you can do

Remember Reunion is a Process!
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Website Resources

• Military One Source
• www.militaryonesource.com
• Army Reserve Family Programs Online
• www.arfp.org
• Guard Family Programs
• www.guardfamily.org
• Veterans Affairs (VA)
• www.va.gov