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How should we prepare younger siblings?
My future Sailor has two younger sibs -- one is close in age and one 10 years younger. They adore their older brother, and I just don't know how they're going to handle his entering the Navy. Any suggestions?
Views: 295
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by J/J Mom on
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I know from first hand experience, it's tough. However, our youngest is proud to have 2 older sibs in the Navy. At first, it was just the oldest in the Navy & the one close in age missed her so much, but they texted a lot (still do) & emailed & stayed connected that way.
Now there are 2 in the Navy & when they are home for Memorial Day & other "occasion" times, they participate in local services, all the veterans around town kind treat them all (even the little guy) like "celebrities" because they are in the Navy.
I've had our 11 year old learn how to play Anchors Aweigh on the piano, so he can play it for them when we Face Time. Our little guy doesn't have a cell phone yet, but he can text them using an app on the family tablet. We make sure he draws them pictures & always has some part of any gift he gives/makes for them -- they appreciate it sooo much & make him feel wonderful.
It is difficult, but it's so much easier because of technology. FaceTime, Texting & email are your friends!!
Time heals, too, and they get used to the distant relationship. There are perks to that too, like vacations near water!! haha
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Permalink Reply by LB on
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Thanks for the tips, Jn/Jf Mom. Good idea on the drawings and gift inclusion. And wonderful thought about the vacation near the water! ;)
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I asked our little guy if he had any thoughts about your question.
He said, "They need to make sure they (parents) aren't so focused on the oldest being gone/in the Navy (being sad??) that they 'forget' about the younger ones being around & the important things in their lives."
I asked him "why, did we ignore you guys because of J being gone & whatnot?" He said, "no, and that was good, it made it easier for me!!" haha i thought these were pretty wise words.
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Permalink Reply by Roman's mum on
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Lucy, my oldest is in the Navy and his younger sibling is 7 years old. Before his brother left I made several videos of them together on my cell phone some in which he reminded his little brother that he would be back right after boot camp and I made others of just them interacting. This helped greatly just before he left and while he was gone. I did this on my cell phone to make it more accessible.
Just a thought
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Permalink Reply by Mommamaggiex4 on
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Wow - that's my focus now. My son just left for Boot Camp yesterday. My youngest (7) has been breaking down and crying a lot. The middle two (11 and 9) are usually boisterous, and now they're quiet. The next few days (weeks?) are going to be a bit of a roller coaster for us. I told them that it is ok to cry, and as long as we are 'sad' together, we'll be ok. I also told them that PIR isn't too far away. AND that they now have a brother that is serving our country - that we have all the reason to be PROUD! We should keep checking in with each other, you're a few weeks ahead of me!
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Permalink Reply by beben528 on
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For my family, we explained to all the kids (cousins, siblings, and all) that he is going to go to work for a long time, but he would be back before you know it. He gets to be a REAL sailor (because lots of kids think sailors are just costumes or Popeye) and he gets to wear an awesome uniform. He gets to go an an adventure and meet tons of new people. Help them understand that your future Sailor is going to be just fine and that hes not too far away.
The most important thing is that they know he'll be gone for awhile and they won't get to see him. If they get sad throughout the day, they can spend their time writing letters and drawing to send to him, which I'm sure they'll love. You can also give them little photos that they can keep in their pockets or whatever they carry, so that he's always with them.
He'll be back before you know it!
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Permalink Reply by HulaMom on
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My sailor is 21 and my youngest is 12. She is close to her brother and cries when she thinks about him leaving. I've just been talking to her about how happy her brother is going to be and what a good sailor he is going to make. I also told her that we will visit him in A school and that seems to have helped.
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Permalink Reply by 2Navyladies on
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My daughter left 3/2 and my son is 7.. I believe at this age difference the main thing you want the little one to know is they're bro/sister IS NOT abandoning them and that they will see them when they get back. My daughter and my son planted a plant together the night before she left and she told him to take care of it and when she came home to give it to her and it will then be her turn to take care of it. Just in case the plant happened to not make it.. she did give him her favorite bear. Just get creative and have the oldest to talk to them. My son is in art class and draws her a pic every week. It makes them feel closer. I know it's hard on them.. bless there little hearts!
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