My husband was deployed last year from Nov-June. This year he is also getting deployed from Feb-June. With our new son who will be a year soon and my five year old I'm having a hard time figuring out what I'm going to do.
Last deployment, for the majority, I was pregnant and my five year old was in pre-school so I did get breaks every now and again. We were also stationed at a base with family nearby to help This time [seeing as I'm a stay at home mom] I will be with my son 24/7 with no relief along with my cousin--who is also a dependent. I'm not looking for a free ride but would like a few hours a week so that I can stay sane, if you know what I mean! We cannot visit family because my cousin is still in school and I would not like to move him more then I have to.
I was wondering if the AF offers any kind of daycare/relief for spouses and dependents? If not, how do you [military spouses w/ children] do it? I know it is going to be the hardest deployment yet but I just want to know what are tricks to keeping your sanity?
2007-02-03 02:43:58 · 6 answers · asked by .vato. 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I know that at our duty station, they have respite care at least one Saturday a month for spouses of deployed soldiers. You have to sign up really early, but you can get like 7 hours of free child care to do whatever you need/want to do. We also have a childcare co-op. You can volunteer to watch other people's kids, and every hour you volunteer equals an hour you can leave your kids there. And while you are volunteering your kids can stay there for free too.
We're Army, not Air Force, but I'm sure the other branches have something similar. Call the base child/youth services office and ask about any programs they might have. If all else fails, maybe you could set up a baby-sitting circle with some other wives, and trade off days watching each other's kids.
2007-02-03 04:40:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is usually an Officers Wives Club or social group as well as an Enlisted Wife's Club or social group at most bases and that might be a good place to start. Also many company and wing level organizations have their own support groups of some sort since so many are being deployed time-and-again and for ever longer periods. If the organization that you are assigned to does not have one perhaps that might be a job for her to take on and start one thereby helping herself in solving the problem as well as helping others. Along with this there are usually other non-religious affiliated things like Airman's or Soldier's Attics whereby people donate time to help others which can also be rewarding and help pass some of her time while you are away as well as give her a healthy social network.
2016-05-23 23:12:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES!
There should be a base family support group for exactly what you're looking for. The first place to check is the Chaplain's office. They can direct you to the right agency.
Good luck with all that. I know my wife has days where she is struggling, too. It's not uncommon. Just remember that you are never alone.
2007-02-03 02:49:29 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Its a shame the way we treat our soldiers and their families. Lip service isn't support. Aiding their families back home is support.
2007-02-03 02:50:15 · answer #4 · answered by mamasquirrel 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
contact your local base support my husband has been gone since october and there is none here there is counseling avaliable to you during deployment but there is nothing to keep you entertained while they are gone thats up to you
2007-02-03 04:14:52 · answer #5 · answered by kleighs mommy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tell him to do like Cheney and ask not to serve because he is married.
2007-02-03 15:28:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋