Suggestions needed for a military parent

[penchris]

DH is Navy, and has been deployed to Middle East. He is finally returning next month (Aug). We decided to do a super "top secret" trip to Disney World with 6yo DS during DH's leave period (trip for Aug 8-12). DS doesn't know, not even a clue. It sounded like such a great idea, and planning has helped fight the lonliness....but now that DH is ACTUALLY coming home...I am starting to get worried.

The problem is, DS is still pretty young and DH has been gone for so long. It just now occurred to me that Disney is also a place for sensory overload meltdown for kids, and DS is concurrently going to be trying to adjust to Daddy *poof* being in the picture again. Military children have several emotional challenges during/after a deployment homecoming (jealousy of mom's time and affection, new rules and authority structure, etc.). In retrospect...it would have been better to put this off a few months or until next year...hindsight is 20/20.

What I need are suggestions to blend this reunion and the sensory overload of Disney so that there will be memories of a Dream Vacation...vs...memories of son being overwhelmed and stuck in a "World" of time outs, and Dad feeling rejection and sadness. I have already figured out there are going to be personal "sacrifices" on my part (especially since we only have one room ;-0 ) ...but considering perspective of DH and DS...what are some things I can do to help everything go smoothly?

 

[disnut8]

I can relate in some way. My husband was Air Force and traveled all the time during my son's 2-4 year old stages. I was basically a single parent. For three years, we dealt with "daddy's leaving" and "we need to pick up daddy at the airport". Not fun but necessary.

Here's a suggestion. Try and get your son on the Pirate Cruise at the Grand Floridian. It's very reasonable, the kids take off at 9:30 and go out for two hours. My granddaughter (yeah, that little kid grew up) absolutely loved it. Then, you and your husband can go off and have a nice breakfast somewhere (Concourse Steakhouse, Grand Floridian Cafe, Kona Cafe). Your son will be so into what he's doing and you and hubby can have some time together.

Other suggestions - since it's the three of you, have your husband sit with your son during the rides where the seating is for two people. Don't change anything that you've been doing with your son. I used to make special trips to McDonald's for a Happy Meal every once in a while. We made sure that was included if we drove by one after picking up daddy at the airport. Bedtimes never changed, but I did find out that the son preferred his dad to tell him bedtime stories. I think "Poky Little Puppy" got worn out!

And one more thing. Make sure your husband knows that his hard work and dedication are appreciated in these tough times. Thank him at least for my family.

 

[Goofy4WDW1964]

I agree with the riding rides. There are lots of rides where you all three can ride together and there are rides that dad and son can ride together and bond. Just go by the cues your son gives and you'll be able to tell what he is ready to do.

There are so many things for your family to do at Disney that will bring you all back together - water parks, pools, miniature golf, character meals, etc.

And my families thanks to your family for all of your sacrifices: your husband's, your's and your son's.

 

[Jackie H.]

I want to express my thanks for all you and your family have sacrificed as well.

I can't really help you with advice - having no experience with the military...but I do want to direct you to the Military Families Board here on the DIS!

It is under the Community Board and is titled "United We Stand". You can go down to the bottom of this page and you will see it on the drop down menu. I am SURE these folks would have some great advice and it would be coming from first hand experenience!

I hope your trip is fantastic!

 

[julie d' tooth fairy]

Hi Penchris,
I haven’t got any real advice but I just wanted to offer my Navy Wife support…

My DH is also a sailor (UK Royal Navy) and he to recently returned home, as we don’t have any kids my 2 boxer dogs were my support while he was away, I can sympathise with you, but I’m sure when daddy comes home coupled with the magic of Disney you DS will be over the moon.

We are also planning a trip to WDW (only 6 weeks to go!!) and we are taking a 35yr old child with us…lol (my identical twin sister). She really supported me while DH was deployed, taking lots of time off work to come and visit and spend weekends with me…so as a way of saying thanks we are covering the cost of the vacation…

Have a brilliant time

Jue
xXx

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