Adjusting to them being home and all the changes that this will bring can take time. First, you will probably enjoy spending time with each other and being close as a family, this makes it a very exciting time to be together.
Things can also be tricky at this stage. You may feel as if the family is back to normal, whilst also feeling a loss of your freedom and independence. There may be some resentment and anger and a general feeling of being unsettled.
Your serving parent or loved one has been away for a while and suddenly they are living in the routine that you have created whilst they have been away. Small things like watching the T.V or using the ipad when you usually use it can be annoying.
You may feel the need to retreat to your bedroom, or you may feel that your negative feelings are directed to your serving parent or loved one.
Try to share some of the things that you have been doing whilst your serving parent or loved one has been away.
You might want to suggest doing something together like going to the cinema or even to the park for a kick about; whatever works best for you. It might help to spend time with your serving parent or loved one to build on your relationship and learn more about what has happened while they have been away.
You might also need some space or want them to make the first move, that is okay. Sometimes it can help to have your non-serving parent make the plans for both of you or come along so it doesn’t feel so intense.
Sometimes when we don’t know what to expect, or what is expected of us, this can cause us to feel worried and scared.
Find out more from our colleague, Gillian.
Scroll through our resources below.
Remember, everyone feels different when going through changes; no feelings are right or wrong.
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