Deployments bring big changes for the entire family. While routines may shift, one thing can remain constant: your child’s ability to communicate. A QuickTalker Freestyle can help your child stay connected with their deployed parent, express their feelings, and continue participating in everyday family moments, even from miles away.

Keep Them Connected🔗

Help your child talk about their deployed parent by modeling words and phrases such as:

• Mommy/Daddy
• Miss you
• Love you
• Call
• Video chat
• Home
• Work

Remember, it’s okay if your child isn’t ready to use these words independently. Hearing and seeing them modeled consistently helps build communication over time.

Use AAC During Video Calls🔗

Video calls don’t have to be long to be meaningful. Encourage your child to use their AAC system to:

• Say “hello” and “goodbye”
• Share something fun that happened during the day
• Show a favorite toy, book, or drawing
• Say “I love you” or “Good night”

Even a few minutes of shared communication can help strengthen your connection.

Talk About Feelings🔗

Deployments often bring a mix of emotions—for children and adults alike. Model emotion words throughout the day, including:

• Happy
• Sad
• Excited
• Mad
• Scared
• Miss

Giving children the words to express how they feel is just as important as helping them ask for what they want or need.

Keep Familiar Routines🔗

Morning routines, mealtimes, bedtime stories, and playtime all provide natural opportunities to model language. Keeping communication routines consistent can provide comfort and predictability during times of change.

Mission Ready Tip🔗

Create a folder on your child’s QuickTalker Freestyle with favorite photos of family members, pets, and special places. These pictures can encourage conversation during video calls and give your child an easy way to talk about the people they love throughout the day.

No matter where military life takes your family, your child’s voice can always be part of the conversation. Every message, every shared moment, and every connection helps strengthen family bonds, no matter the distance.