For a veteran, life can be hard and tiresome without kids and spouse. When you are deployed with troops at a distant location, it is important to maintain strong ties with your family.
Pre-planning
Before deployment, sit with your family and discuss important things. Hug little ones and tell them nicely, why is it important part of your job to move to far places. Give them full instructions of how to manage things in your absence. Also, confirm that you will give a call every evening. By doing this, they will not get restless at the time of your departure. Advise them to take care of their health and all necessary things. Assign simple household tasks to everyone. It will not disturb entire set-up when you are not available to supervise or assist them. Another tricky thing, which may work is making your kids excited about your deployment. “When I come back, I will bring your favorite car and doll”. You can speak these kinds of pleasing words.
Advantages of staying connected
It is highly recommended to be in contact with family. It will give many benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
While, you are in touch with family, it will relax your mind. You get a chance to talk to them or even see them in a video chat. They will stay informed about you and vice versa.
Things work well
It will make sure that everything is working fine at home, according to your advice. Whenever, you get a chance of making call at home, it is better to have reasonably long conversation. Inquire about everything. Speak to all members, especially young kids. You can remind them of what was discussed at the time of leaving. If they tend to forget any assigned task, repeat your advice. Discuss with kids about their studies, job and other daily activities.
Effective communication
Since, it is necessary to communicate effectively, use the best medium. Cell phone, laptop, wireless phones etc are highly useful. Try keeping these gadgets in good working condition during the stay. Give them regular recharge. Keep spare batteries and handsets in case of any emergency. In modern day world, technology has shrunk long distances. Many softwares now allow to make video calls. If possible, prefer video chat instead of a phone call. Make sure internet service is available for you at the location you are going to. Sending text messages and emails is also a good idea. This works better when your call is not answered. All members at home are away or asleep sometimes, so there is chance of not getting them on phone every time. You can also record your message.
Get a nice camera and take interesting photos of surrounding area. Send your pictures to family through MMS or any popular social networking site. It will be a fun for them. Moreover, their pain for not having an important member of house with them will be relieved to a great extent.
