For the One Left Behind

Climbing the walls and your spouse hasn’t even left yet? Check out these guidelines from some experts on the home front.

* Be prepared. Stock up on groceries, medications and keep extra cash stashed for emergencies.

* Take care of errands that might be harder to handle with children in tow.

* Younger children need constant tangible reminders of when your spouse will return. Keep a calendar and let them mark off the days with stickers.

* Show kids on the map where Mom or Dad is going and learn about those destinations.

* Keep a daily family journal to share when the away parent comes home.

* Break up the monotony with easy, non-stressful outings everyone will enjoy.

* After your spouse leaves, stick with the normal daily routine--but be flexible.

* Give your child added security with more one-on-one time. Allow children to express their feelings about the parent who is gone.

* Be consistent about discipline.

* Don’t tattle on your child when your spouse gets home. By doing so you’re breaking your child’s trust and showing him you can’t handle it alone.

* Don’t spend valuable phone time with your spouse complaining about trivial daily problems.

* Stay calm and find small ways to treat yourself.

* Have a network of family, friends and neighbors who can lend their support while your spouse is away. Ask for help if your need it.

* Make homecomings special for everyone.