• Make a realistic connection plan. Don't "over promise" how often you'll stay in touch because you might not know your schedule until you get to your assignment. Once you can, set time to let others know how you're doing and that you're safe.
• Help others stay connected with you. Friends enjoy sending care packages, so pass along your ideas and needs for these packages. People like to know that they're sending you things that will mean something to you.
• Parents love handwritten letters. They reinforce a special closeness and can be reread over and over. 

• Before you leave, establish your childcare plan. Will your child be in the care of their other parent, grandparents, close trusted friends? Be certain you have a guardian legally designated (if care is not provided by the other parent) so they can oversee the medical, physical, and financial needs of your dependants.
• It's critical that you clearly establish the ways you will stay connected with your kids. They need to know that you are stepping away...not stepping out...of their lives.
  • Involve their caregiver in your connection plans so it's a seamless process.
  • Work with your child's school to keep them informed of the status of your deployment. Advise them of who will be the legal caregiver and how the deployment might affect your child.
• Here's a connection idea directly from a caregiver: "I am currently the daycare provider for the children of a deployed marine. I send the dad an email every day that I have the children, along with a digital photograph, telling him about our day...what we ate, what we did, and anything funny or new that his children were doing. This establishes a stronger trust above just the daycare provider/parent relationship."
• Talk with other parents in your unit and ask what they're doing to stay in contact with their children. You can do the same things they are, after all, you're all parents!

Reunion and Reintegration 

• Upon your return, you may feel a bit awkward with your friends at first. Keep making an effort and you should fall back in step with each other soon.
• Friends and extended family can't know as intimately as you what you've been through. Take your time, and relate experiences in a more casual setting like a restaurant, a walk or a neighborhood BBQ.
• Be patient with them and help them towards understanding
• Be respectful of each other's feelings
• Be aware that over time, your relationships with others may change and this can be a good time to establish new parameters
• Begin by getting your housing situated so that you can begin to reestablish roots. Once you know where you'll be living, you can reevaluate your career goals and financial interests.
• I know you're thinking of how soon you can get back "out there" with your friends, but remember to spend some time with your parents. They worried about you, your welfare, and your safety every minute you were gone and it's been hard to live in that constant fear.
• If they live far away, be sure to call frequently to let them know you're ok.
• If you're within driving distance, head over for Sunday dinner occasionally.
• If they don't live together, spend separate time with them both.