Having a partner who is away frequently for work can be a challenge. Whether they are in defence force or have a fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) job, read our series of articles to help you and your family.
Some families adjust to the ups and downs of the home and away lifestyle easily and others may feel that their family routine is disrupted.
Here are some ways that Mums can support children during these changes:
1 Maintain a regular family routine whether Dad/partner is home or away. Figure out a system together that works best for everyone and stick to it.
2 Encourage your children to have regular contact with Dad when he is away. Keep in touch through phone calls, emails, webcam and letters.
3 Explain your reasons for choosing this lifestyle to your children and let them express their feelings about what this is like for them.
4 Counting down until Dad’s arrival can benefit some children and disrupt others. You can prepare for Dad’s arrival by making the cycle part of the normal family routine. This way you can recognise your children’s sense of excitement about Dad coming home while showing he remains part of the children’s everyday lives.
5 Give Dad time to wind down and become part of the family again. Setting tasks for Dad to “pick up” immediately on his return may cause conflict. Allow everyone the space to reconnect, so you can all enjoy spending time together as a family.
6 Arrange enjoyable activities you can do as a family when Dad is home and which can be continued when he goes away.
7 Think about ways everyone in the family can meet their needs for an enriching social life through sport, hobbies or other recreational activities.
“We’d start the countdown from five days and that’s really exciting you know, every day it’s like Daddy’s coming home in four days and three sleeps and two sleeps. We chose five days because it’s what she can count and it’s easy with one hand.” Cheryl
This article has been supplied by the Department for Communities. Parenting WA - the Parenting Line is a free 24/7 telephone service for information and advice on any parenting matter. (08) 6279 1200 or 1800 654 432
Join a relevant EB “buddy group” here, from Military Families to the “FIFO” buddy group.
