How You Can Help Your Military Spouse When They Leave The Service

Adjusting to civilian life can take time, and the transition can be hard on you and your spouse. It is crucial to find ways to make the transition easier and ensure that you have quality time to spend together. One practical way to commemorate this journey is to invest in custom challenge coins.

There are also practical considerations, including financial, employment, and living arrangements. Read on for some of the best ways to help your spouse through the transition and come out stronger than ever.

Make A Plan

Plan out how you will adapt to life outside of the military. Consider all elements of life. Ensure that your finances are in good shape. Decide together when your spouse will leave the military. Make lists of things that need to be done 18 months, a year, six months, and one month before discharge. 

Discuss Your Roles

Ensure you’re on the same page with household tasks and chores. Decide whether you will both work or only one of you. Make a list of the chores and other responsibilities for the home and family and share them out equally. 

Talk About The Changes

Talk about the ways your life will change. Discuss what is happening with your children. Talk regularly and be open and honest about your thoughts, fears and concerns. Ensure your plans are made jointly and consider your kids’ feelings and opinions. 

Decide Where You Want To Live

Choose a place to set up a permanent home base. Consider an area near friends and other support. If you have kids or plan to start a family, choose a location with excellent schools and green spaces. 

Set Up A Permanent Home Together

Buying a home is a great way to put down roots. Ensure you can afford the costs associated with homeownership. Build your emergency savings fund and save a down payment. As a former military family, you may qualify for a VA loan, allowing you to buy a property without a down payment. Find more information about this type of loan from the expert providers at https://heroloan.com/.

Give Them Time

Allow your military spouse time to adjust outside of the military. Give them space when they ask for it and allow them a few days or a week to acclimate. Ensure you spend quality time together. 

Look For Opportunities To Make Civilian Connections

Look for activities, clubs and support groups that could help your spouse start to build connections in civilian life. Consider parent and children groups or clubs run by veterans and their families. Host events at your home, but avoid doing so in the first few weeks after your spouse is discharged. 

Take A Trip

Take a relaxing trip to help you get reacquainted. Bring the kids if you are parents. Consider a camping trip or a getaway to a cabin in the woods. 

Help Them Find A Job

Help them update their resume and start looking for suitable jobs. Ensure you have enough to get by for the first weeks after your spouse is discharged. Help them identify their interests and careers and professional training that could benefit them. 

Consider Therapy

Seeing a therapist could benefit you and your spouse. Many veterans deal with mental health issues due to their time in service. The advice of a mental health professional can be beneficial during any period of upheaval.