I am a single mom of a 5 yr old boy. I am currently in the Army reserves and serving in Iraq. I will be going home in August for two weeks leave, and then returning to Iraq for a few more months. My son will start kindergarden while I am home. My mom has been looking after my son while I am away. I will admit I am nervous about going home and trying to be a "mom" again for two weeks. I havent been home since September of 2005. I call my son on the phone on a regular basis. I am at a loss for things to do with him when I am home to visit. If I had it my way I would start hugging him the minute I see him and not let go until the minute it is time to leave. (Obviously that can't happen) So my question for you is... What are some fun and creative things that my son and I can do while I am home visiting?
2006-06-05 14:19:20 · 15 answers · asked by Megan R 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I couldn't imagine the pain of leaving my baby for a year. I am active duty Army but haven't been deployed yet, my husband is National Gaurd and just got back from a tour. I am so sorry you have to go through this but we appriciate you so much! I hope that some of this helps.
Here's to start....remember you need to spend your quality time with him in and outside the house, not with a lot of other people, just the two of you. If he seems a bit nervous around you don't be too upset it is just because you have been gone for so long. He may want his grandma there with you when you hang out the first few times but try to avoid it the entire time because you need to be together just the two of you for a little while.
Go to the zoo or to the park, play ball in the front yard, anything he wants to do within reason do it with him even if it is banging toy cars around coloring pretty pictures. He has probably developed alot since you have been gone and has a mind of his own. Ask him to help you with some ideas. Try a pool and play some water sports or go to a local amusment park if there are any near by.
Go school shopping with him. Kindergarten is so exciting and scary so help him get ready by getting some new clothes and school supplies this way he will think of you when he wears his shirt or uses his crayons.
Avoid the tv unless you order a movie and do a movie night with popcorn and soda pop. Make some snacks together and maybe even cook an entire meal either as a dinner for just the two of you or for his grandma.
If it is for his grandma use the opportunity to explain the situation. Say that the meal is a thank you from the both of you. Explain that you will be coming home for good in just a few months and he won't be spending so much time with grandma so he should enjoy the time left and tell him that you both need to thank her for taking care of him and that is what the meal is for.
Be careful with disciplinary action and try not to be rough when he does something wrong because he won't understand why you just got back and you are already yelling at him.
2006-06-05 14:40:47 · answer #1 · answered by 20mommy05 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea what it's like to be separated from your children but let me tell you your sacrifice is duly noted. I humbly thank you.
I can tell you most kids like to make cookies. Maybe a rainy day could be a cookie day. Or even shoo your mom out of the house & have a grand meal waiting for her which you made with your boy.
Tell him you love him, love him, love him! You are sooo gonna have fun with him no matter what you decide to do.
And there are many great suggestions here for you.
God Bless you & your family
2006-06-05 14:35:23 · answer #2 · answered by curiousgeorge 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your son probably will be very happy just to spend time with you, so consider not "over doing" it by over planning every day. For some days, maybe just spend time together reading, playing hide and seek, painting or drawing.... other days, plan a simple outing, like a trip to the Zoo, or a picnic, fly a kite. I wouldn't over-exert him or you by trying to cram a lot into two weeks. Enjoy your time together naturally.
2006-06-05 14:26:15 · answer #3 · answered by Regularguy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not make some memory pages? Have him design some pages that symbolize different events from the past year. Hug him as much as you can, you can't hold him and love him enough. Keep his schedule as close to normal as possible, because he has to stay even after you go back. You don't want to disrupt things too much. You have my utmost admiration, God Bless you!
BTW, Dawg'nButt, you really truly are a jerk!
2006-06-06 10:06:14 · answer #4 · answered by funrdhdpeach 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well i dont know where you are, but riught now there are all kinds of military deals.
Seaworld is free, the zoos are fee, anheiser bush anything they sponser is close to free.
Dont worry about a thing, he just wants his mom.
Im active duty myself. I dont know what its like to have to leave for that long.
But first OFF THANK YOU for all that you have done. I feel so bad for you but i know you have to do it for the rest of us, and i appreciate it.
Your son looks up to and he will always think your a hero.
Anything his MILITARY MOM does with him will be the best.
Hes at a good age to where you can explain things to him on why you have to be where you are.
But take him everywhere you can. All the cool places you have in your hometown.
GOOD LUCK &
WELCOME HOME SOLDIER!!!
God bless you and your family.
2006-06-05 14:24:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter what you do with him he will be happy just to have you back. Go to the park go see the new Cars Disney movie take him to McDonalds. It will be hard for you to leave again and he is to young to understand the job you are doing over there. I pray you will be save and home for good soon. Thank you for serving your country/
2006-06-05 14:26:46 · answer #6 · answered by bramblerock 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Involve yourself in some school activities, your son is probably proud of his mummy being in army and will want to show you off also ask your mum what he likes doing the most and involve yourself in his favourite hobby just you and him or take him shopping for the toy he really wants or has been asking for lately
2006-06-05 14:26:15 · answer #7 · answered by purplem2004 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband takes our sons fishing & camping. I set up "I love you" craft projects - like making a scrapbook that is just about how much you love him & huggies (a pillow for each of you that you decorate for one another). I hope this helps some. Also see if your base has family activities that you two can do together. Ours has programs to help families get reaquainted.
2006-06-05 14:30:56 · answer #8 · answered by Just me.... 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how about keeping it simple...take him to the park, finger paint, read stories, sing and dance. You just being there will mean the world to him. Have your mom take lots of pics while you're there and make a scrapbook of your time together so he can have you around when your away and remember the great time you had together....my god bless and watch over you and yours :)
2006-06-05 14:29:22 · answer #9 · answered by tigerlily2414 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-09-08 21:11:08 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋