Soldier and Family Readiness Group

Communications

Communications during separation play a critical role in maintaining an emotional presence of the soldier not physically present. It is very important to share your thoughts and feelings with one another.

Commercial telephone calls can be very expensive. Try to avoid or limit them. They can put a financial strain on your family finances. Make a list of the important things you would like to discuss with the soldier when they do call. It is frustrating to hang up then think of thinking of questions that you wanted to ask.

Letters are the least expensive way to communicate. Some hints for letters:

• Answer all questions.
• Let your spouse know how much you appreciate their letters.
• Express yourself clearly. Don't leave the other person to guess what you mean.
• Write frequently. Receiving shorter letters more often is more important than the length of the letter.
• Expressions of love are important. Reassure the soldier that you love and miss them.
• If you write a letter when you're upset, wait another day before sending it so you can re-think what you really wanted to say.
• Write regularly. At a distance the imagination can run wild; communication will reduce speculations.
• Ask the soldier to write directly to each child, and mail it to the separately.
• Add interesting newspaper articles, cartoons, kids' drawings, and photos.

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