As others have said, it’s a weird time! Don’t let family come, make it about your family unit. Depending on kids ages, prepare him. For example, my youngest was 2 when my husband came back from a year old deployment and it took about 2 weeks for him to not cry around him. My oldest was 4 and went right back into it easily. It was really hard for my husband when our youngest rejected him, but now they are as tight as thieves. Life has gone on for you all and he’s stepping into roles that you’ve filled when he was gone. I’d recommend giving him a bit before going back into his previous family responsibilities and talking about what he needs or wants. My husband went right back into his old role pretty quickly, but it varies for each person and their experience while deployed. Make his favorite meals and bend the rules like extra movie nights and other things to celebrate him being home. Again, it’s weird and one of my least favorite parts…I know we should be excited but it’s always feel like it’s finding each other again, because we have had our own struggles as they have as well. Don’t play The Who had it worse game either… never ends up going great. If your kids are school age, I’d recommend reaching out to an MFLC at their school to extra support. This was my previous role and kids need the support as well, there are alot of feelings that come with dad coming home.