For some families it helps to track the days until a loved one returns home, especially if he will be away for a week or more. Crossing the days off the calendar is one way. If you have young children, another fun, tangible way to track time is with a colorful paper chain.
Have your children cut a link off the chain each day. Keep the chain in a location that’s easy to see such as by the dining room table if you choose to cut the links at mealtime. Besides helping your kids track time, this is a great exercise for learning to count and practicing fine motor skills like using kid-safe scissors. When there are no links left, they’ll know that mom or dad is due home that day.
Want to take your chain one step further? If your children are a little older, write an encouraging note on each link for them to read; or, write a scavenger hunt clue that leads to a note or surprise from your partner.
On the day your spouse returns home, decorate a welcome home sign that he will see upon entering the home.
Does your family have any special rituals to track the days when your missing link is out of town?
photo courtesy ponsuwan.
