Basic Training Basic's!

I joined an email group of LDS Military Moms. They have been a GREAT support so far!! This was one of my FAVORITE posts! Thought I'd share it with all of you!! 

--Your son's first call will come sometime during or right after the first

two weeks--he will have about 2 minutes to talk.(As a side note, Nick has 

been able to keep his phone during "reception". Once he get to his actual 

unit at Basic, we won't have as much contact with him) DO NOT CRY. 

DO NOT EXPRESS LONGING FOR HIM. Sound very happy and "up", and whatever awful 

things he tells you about, say "this isn't long, son. You are very strong. 

You will learn what you need to know to be a soldier. I have complete confidence you

will get through this beautifully." DO NOT TELL HIM ANYTHING DEPRESSING OR

UPSETTING--if his granddad is real sick, LEAVE OUT THAT INFORMATION.  Be

very optimistic and supportive--but do not make him worry about anything at

home! This may be about the time you begin carrying your cell phone in your

bra--you want it with you every second, in case he calls. It may be a very

crazy time. If he is deployed, you want to have that phone on you 24/7.

--If you send your son letters--and you will, in his first couple months--do

NOT send anything but a plain envelope with his address in plain block

letters on the front. Do not use colored stationary, stickers, things

written on the envelope, kisses, upside down stamps, etc--NOTHING. If he has

a girlfriend, beg her to do the same.

--You will feel you need to send your son boxes of goodies or whatever, but

be warned: they rarely get to him. The drill instructors will open ALL boxes

and make unmerciful fun of whoever's name is on it, call them a mama's baby,

plus they will usually eat all the goodies. Yes, they can do that. They'll

do whatever makes your son the most miserable, so be very careful NOT to add

to that misery! Send boxes at your (and his) own risk. P.S. They feed them

well. He's getting plenty to eat--don't worry.

--There will be "Parents Day" (Family Day) during or after his

training--please, if you possibly can, find a way to go. This is

super-important, and the soldiers are so hungry for a glimpse of their

families. They will eventually let you hug him and sometimes be with him for

a while. Please try to go if you can. If it is the end of training, he may

get to go home with you for a few weeks. This varies from service to

service, so be prepared for anything.

--There will be LDS meetings there on base--he will be allowed to attend the

3-hour block every Sunday. Even though he may desperately want to sleep

instead, encourage him to go to those meetings. When he does, he will find

they give him tremendous strength to face whatever the next week holds. It

will be his only refuge--tell him to go! 

(They also told me about the missionary couples that serve in the branch. They will get my email and phone number and keep in contact with me!!! WOO HOO!!)

--Last, don't worry--even though you will. He is fine and will not be there

long. Things may sound awful (sometimes they want to whine to mom),                                              but he's  OK.