This Fabulous Army Life

About Traci Cook & her Blog

Traci is a winner of Top 25 Military Moms - 2012

What do you love about being a military mom?

What advice would you give to moms on how to build a new support circle after a move?

What's a tip for helping kids cope with a parent's absence?

Traci's Answers

2 Answer

What can you do to comfort a child who is missing a parent who is away?

Traci Cook

Saying goodbye to my husband for months at a time is something that never gets easier for me. For my kids, it is at least equally as difficult. They have a fantastic father who is involved in their lives, loves to spend time with them, and is a true role model for the kind of men I hope they grow up to be. When he is gone, it takes a definite toll on their emotions. One of the ways I like to help them cope with the separation is through children's literature. A former Reading Teacher, I have always enjoyed a good book and have seen the power of books in children's lives. Military kids are no different and we have employed a variety of books to make us laugh, help us cry when we need to, and open discussions about this deployment. With each book, I try to find a tangible reminder of the lesson learned there ... a simple craft, a letter to our Soldier, or a small gift. I have been amazed at how my kids cherish these small tokens and hold on to them as reminders of how much their dad loves them.

View All Answers

Follow Me