1. Stress the New Opportunities for Spending Time with Family
Maritime and offshore workers typically spend much of their time away from home. It is not unusual for a maritime worker to be out at sea for days, weeks – even months – at a time. Even the most dedicated family man may be forced to miss out on important milestones in a child’s or spouse’s life.
Your husband may take this opportunity to strengthen the parent-child relationship. Talk about the events and activities in which he can partake during his recovery period, such as providing parental guidance, attending school activities and assisting with homework. Remind your husband of how important these memories will be for his children as they mature and reflect on their time with family.
No young children at home? Consider your husband’s siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles. Perhaps he has older parents or in-laws who would enjoy additional opportunities to reconnect and who would benefit from his company.
2. Encourage Him to Pitch in Around the House
Maritime workers tend to have a strong work ethic. Being out of work may cause your husband to feel aimless or without purpose. You can help combat this feeling by asking him to pitch in with running and maintaining the household.
Your requests should be appropriate to your husband’s level of injury and his physician’s orders for recovery. Avoid activities that focus on the financial impact of your husband’s injury. For instance, do not ask him to manage the household budget or do the weekly grocery shopping. These activities may only underscore the negative financial impact of his accident or injury.
Appropriate tasks may include:
- errands (such as visiting the post office, picking up the kids after school, etc.);
- scheduling children’s activities;
- helping plan and prepare meals; and
- other household “administrative” matters (calling the plumber, scheduling a lawn care service, etc.).
Communicate with your husband about how his efforts have a positive impact on your life, whether it allows you more time to pursue a college degree, take care of the children or advance your career. Your husband should consistently hear that he serves a valuable role in the family.
3. Broaden His Circle of Support
Your husband’s healing period may serve as an opportunity to reconnect with friends and acquaintances outside of the maritime industry. Your husband may enjoy having time to become active in a local religious or civic group. The more people with whom he connects, the more opportunities he has for finding support in this difficult time.
If you’re pursuing an injury claim, set up a consultation with The Young Firm by calling 866-715-3664.
