The Emotional Stages of Deployment for Spouses

The Emotional Stages of Deployment for Spouses

Deployment is an emotional rollercoaster. One minute, you’re thriving; the next, you’re crying because their side of the bed is empty. From the dramatic goodbye to the sweet spot of having the whole house to yourself, every Defence spouse goes through a weirdly predictable series of emotions. Some days, you’ll feel like you’ve got it all together. Other days? Everything will break at once, and you’ll just have to laugh (or cry) through it.

Defence Life—Is It All It’s Cracked Up to Be?

Defence Life—Is It All It’s Cracked Up to Be?

Defence life is often romanticised, but the reality is far more complicated. Behind the pride and resilience is the loneliness of long separations, the exhaustion of constant moves, and the struggle to find a real sense of belonging. Not every friendship will last, not every base will feel like home, and not every day will be filled with unwavering strength. The key isn’t just surviving this life – it’s finding ways to make it work for you.

Managing Friendships and Social Life Through Frequent Moves

Managing Friendships and Social Life Through Frequent Moves

Frequent moves make friendships complicated. Some connections will be instant, others will be fleeting, and some will fade despite your best efforts. It’s the reality of Defence life – constantly saying hello and goodbye, sometimes feeling at home, and sometimes feeling completely out of place. Not every friendship will last forever, but that doesn’t make them less important. The key is knowing which ones are worth the effort and letting go of the guilt when some naturally fade.

Asking for and Accepting Help Gracefully

Asking for and Accepting Help Gracefully

Many of us struggle to ask for help, feeling like we should handle everything on our own. But the truth? No one does life alone. Asking for and accepting help gracefully isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a recognition that support makes us stronger. Whether it’s childcare, work, or just emotional support, reaching out can feel uncomfortable, but it’s also necessary. This post explores why we find it hard to ask for help, how to do it without guilt, and how to accept it with grace. Because the reality is, we’re all better when we lean on each other.

Back-to-School Tips for Defence Families

Back-to-School Tips for Defence Families

Starting a new school year can be exciting, but for Defence families, it often comes with extra challenges—new schools, different routines, and the emotional weight of transitions. Whether your child is adjusting after a move or navigating life with a deployed parent, a little preparation can make all the difference. From staying organised to building connections in a new school community, these back-to-school tips will help your family ease into the year with less stress and more confidence. Military life may bring unpredictability, but with the right strategies, you can create stability and support for your child no matter where you are.

What I Wish I Knew Before My Partner Enlisted

What I Wish I Knew Before My Partner Enlisted

Nothing fully prepares you for military life until you’re living it. When my partner enlisted, I thought I knew what to expect – deployments, moves, time apart – but there were so many things I didn’t see coming. The constant goodbyes, the waiting, the pride, and the way this life changes you as much as them. Looking back, there are things I wish I had known that would have made the transition easier. If you’re just starting this journey, this post shares what I’ve learned – the hard parts, the unexpected joys, and the small moments that make it all worth it.