How can I make it easy on my son (2) to transition to having Daddy after a 16 month deployment to Iraq?

Question

Dad left when he was 3.5 months old.

Answer 1

Do you have any home movies of Daddy? Start showing those to your child. Also, spend time looking at pictures - let him get used to seeing Daddy's face. Finally, talk about Daddy a lot!



Your 16 month old may still have some adjusting to do once Daddy is home, but it shouldn't last long. Once Daddy comes home, don't just immediately hand the baby over to Dad. Spend some time with Dad yourself and let the baby know it is okay to trust him. The baby will warm up to him and will eventually get used to having Daddy around.



Good luck and congratulations!

Answer 2

Show your son pictures of Dad and let him hear his voice on the phone. Talk to him alot about his Dad. I went through the same thing with my kids. My husband was in Iraq for 7 months (gone a total of 10 because of training) He just got back in September. My kids were 13 months and 3 years old when he got back and they did just fine. I did what I suggested you to do while he was gone. Congratulations on having him back!

Answer 3

i had to do this as well but as the others said show pictures of him talk about daddy all the time and don't worry so much it will be fine.

Answer 4

show him pictures and movies of daddy honestly you should have been doing this from the beginning

Answer 5

try having a daddy and son day.. special things for them to do together, that is just for them.. let them form their own bond