Military spouses are often required to take over the family during the sponsor’s absence. Although it can be hard to manage and account for all things that could happen while the military member is away, below is a checklist of items to take into consideration before the deployment.

• Create a long-range budget to include once-a-year expenses 
• Establish allotments, up to four months in advance if possible 
• Checkbook maintenance: who will write checks, balance accounts
• Update or create a will 
• Locate important records, what and when bills are due 
• Insurance - car, life, renters, or home. When are premiums due 
• Power of attorney - do you need a general or specific POA 
  • GENERAL: Allows holder to act in all matters on sponsor’s behalf
    SPECIAL: Allows holder to act on sponsor’s behalf in special transactions.
    MEDICAL: Authorizes holder to obtain medical care for family members under 18 years of age.
• ID Cards - Check expiration dates and obtain new ones if needed.
• Telephone calls: length of calls, budget bills
• Duplicate calendars: note special events, birthdays, and school activities. Keep each other updated
• Establish rules regarding children’s discipline, chores, curfew, etc. 
• Gifts: buy in advance and leave with a friend or family member for anniversaries, birthdays and special events 
• Recognize and accept the range of emotions you are feeling, talk about them with your spouse
• Local military unit’s name and phone number: keep this information close at hand for emergencies and current and accurate information
• Family Readiness Center: find out how their programs and services can help you survive deployment 
• Develop a good support system: family, friends, church, school, co-workers, family readiness support groups and hobbies
• Plan once-a-week outings for the parent manning the homefront 
• Plan family days with quality time and no interruptions
• Establish a routine that can be maintained before, during and after deployment
• Plan family activities that help maintain the deployed parent’s presence – send photos, map your unit’s itinerary, videotape everyday activities

Activities to Do
There are many simple things the parent at home can do to have fun with their children. I have also included some ways to help explain the time line of deplyments.

• There are 52 cards in a deck of cards and 52 weeks in a year. Have the child write a letter each week and include one card from the deck. When you are down to the very last card the year is up! *Kids can decorate the cards with crayons or pictures.
• Make a paper chain with a message on each slip (it can be love note, miss you, or what you did that day) attach them together for a fun homecoming banner. The military member will enjoy readying all the special notes when they return.
• Assign new roles: If dad took out the trash, assign a helper to take over during the seperation. Change them up a bit as the time progresses. Younger children enjoy being “adults”
• Make a scrapbook with pictures and events with your child.
• Before you leave, write as many short messages to your children as possible and put them in a large jar, can, or box. Tell your child to pull out one message a day while you are gone.
• Before you leave, record yourself reading special stories to your young ones. They will anticipate night time and can read along with you.

Remember you are not alone. This is a family affair that will bring you closer not only as a parent but as a family unit. There are support systems in place to help you ease the time apart. If all else fails the Homefront is always here to lend a helping hand and a shoulder!

~Amanda, Sygnet Creations