Allow Room for Growth

You’ve waited for the homecoming! You’ve got it set in your mind just how wonderful it will be. But many people are surprised to find it’s also a stressful time of readjustment and getting to know each other again. In your partner’s absence, you may have become more independent. Your children will have grown. Your partner will have grown too from his or her experiences. Take it slow. Talk. Be patient.

Get to know each other

Adults and kids need to take time to get to know each other again. Do things as a family and as a couple. Often, when people are away, we build up a lot of expectations for homecoming. If things don’t go as planned, try to be flexible.

Help your partner readjust

Discuss your child's routines with your partner so your spouse knows the routine. Depending on how long your partner was gone, things may have changed. This helps keep the kids from playing one parent against the other. This also helps the parent who was away to ease back into being a parent again.

Talk about your feelings openly and honestly

We all have our own ways of dealing with change and stress; Try to go through it together. If you find you need more help, the MFRC offers confidential programs and services that may help you ease back into your relationship.