Scenario 2 — teenage trouble

Your partner has told you that your 15 year old teenage son is starting to ‘act-up’ at home and getting into trouble at school. What should you do?

  1. Be supportive to your partner and talk on the phone to all parties involved about strategies to help the situation. You could enlist the support of other family members and the AAD Expeditioner Liaison and Training Coordinator (ELTC). The ELTC is a source of advice and support for expeditioners and their families on issues to do with separation and communication. The ELTC can provide supportive contact to those seeking help with access to many options and resources.
  2. There is not much you can do from so far away, so just let your partner deal with it in the best way he or she thinks is best.
  3. Seek to return early to Australia (RTA) so that you can be there for your family.

You chose answer (a).

This is the best option.

Our communications capability is generally very good with telephone and email contact with the stations.

It is important to be as supportive as possible, keep the communication flowing between all parties involved.

Good communications lessens the sense of isolation that both you and your families may be experiencing. The ELTC may also be able to suggest options and support that you may not have thought of.

The AAD also offers an Assistance Program (EAP) that is available to all expeditioners and their families from commencement (AAD employees) or departure date (non-AAD employees). This service remains available for 6 months after returning to Australia.

You chose answer (b).

Unsupportive behaviour is likely to cause personal tensions in any relationships.

Our communications capability is generally very good with telephone and email contact with the stations, so it is not difficult to stay in touch.

It is important to be as supportive as possible, keep the communication flowing between all parties involved.

Good communications lessens the sense of isolation that both you and your families may be experiencing.

Take advantage of the support and resources that the AAD Expeditioner Training & Family Liaison Officer can provide, as well as the support of the AAD Employment Assistance Program (EAP). See option (a) above.

You chose answer (c).

RTA is a drastic measure. It can be very difficult to organise and is virtually impossible during winter periods for about 6 months.

It is usually only considered in very serious or emergency circumstances.

It is important to be as supportive as possible, and keep the communication flowing between all parties involved.

Good communications lessens the sense of isolation that both you and your families may be experiencing.

Take advantage of the support and resources that the AAD Expeditioner Training & Family Liaison Officer can provide, as well as the support of the AAD Employment Assistance Program (EAP).  See option (a) above.

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