Military homecoming reintegration is an emotional time. After months or even years of deployment, service members finally get to come home to their families. While it is a time of great joy, it can also be a time of adjustment as everyone gets used to being back together again. If you are preparing for your service member’s homecoming, there are a few things you can do to make the transition easier.

First, try to schedule some downtime for your service member. They may have been on a tight work schedule during their deployment, and it can be helpful to give them some time to adjust to being home. Allowing your service member some R&R can be beneficially for the whole family. This will give you both some time to adjust to being around each other again. Show your support by respecting their need for downtime and not pushing them to do too much too soon. Here are some suggestions to consider when your service member return:

1. Service members need time to decompress after returning from deployment
2. Too much activity can be overwhelming and lead to stress-related problems
3. Schedule some downtime for your service member, including relaxation and fun activities
4. Let them take the lead on how they want to spend their free time – some may want to be alone while others will enjoy spending time with family and friends

Understanding their mood

Be patient as they readjust to life at home. It may take some time for them to get used to being around family and friends again. And there may be some bumps along the way. Some things to keep in mind when dealing with your military members attitude:

1. Don’t be offended if he or she is distant or quiet at first
2. Understand that the military member has been through a lot and needs time to process it all
3. Be there for them when they need you, even if they don’t always show it
4. Let them take the lead in conversations and activities
5. Don’t push them to talk about their experiences while deployed

Make family time a priority

However, you want to make sure to take some time for yourselves as a family unit. Usually when a service member returns home from deployment they will receive time off of work known as “Leave”.  Most families plan a trip to see distant relatives and friends or go on a tropical vacation. Homecomings can be overwhelming, so it’s important to have some quiet time together. Here are some suggestions on how to do that:

1. Make time each day for yourself and your partner – even if it’s just 10 minutes
2. Dedicate one weekend day to just being together as a family
3. Take a vacation or trip somewhere that is relaxing and fun
4. Play games or watch movies together at home
5. Spend time outside enjoying nature
6. Talk about your days and share what you’re both grateful for

Military homecomings are always a special time. By following these tips, you can make sure that your homecoming is as smooth as possible.

I want to remind you that there is no shame in seeking help. There are many resources available to Military families, and no one has to go through the post homecoming reintegration alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you or your service member are struggling. MilitaryOneSource.Com has great articles and resources on this topic. I hope that our blog post has been helpful and informative. Thank you for following along, and be sure to check back often for more information on the Military family experience. Have you booked your military homecoming session yet? Contact us today to schedule your session!