Are you ready to deploy? Is your family? Published Nov. 29, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Stacy Oliver Airman and Family Readiness Center PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Deployment can be a stressful time for you as well as your family. There are many ways to help alleviate some of the stress caused by an upcoming deployment. Some of the most common emotions -- anxiety, tension, excitement, frustration and guilt are felt by both the servicemember and his or her family, once notified of a deployment. If married, your spouse may worry about how to cope with the separation, as well as worrying about how the kids are going to deal with it. Below are some tips to help both the deployed servicemember and the spouse left at home. Tips for servicemember: Honestly share your feelings and expectations with your spouse. Plan ahead. Use your checklist to help ensure you get your affairs in order. Make sure your spouse knows how to take care of the household chores you normally handle. Balance time spent on deployment activities with time spent with your family. Do something special. Tips for spouse at home: Honestly share your feelings and expectations about the deployment Keep expectations in check. Build a strong network. Learn how to take care of any tasks or chores your spouse normally handles. One of the biggest factors that can help with a deployment is a strong network of friends, family and support agencies. There are great resources available at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Chapel, Military OneSource, and even from the Key Spouses in your unit. Do not hesitate to reach out if you or your family is struggling with an upcoming deployment. Contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center for assistance at 556-6141 or the Military and Family Life Consultant at 640-9961.