"how many sleeps until daddy comes back"...........how to deal with this???

[FAQ]

DS1 (7) seems to have accepted and understood that H has moved out and is living in his own house.

DS2 (4) seems to be struggling a bit with the whole concept.

Last night as I was serving dinner up he said "what about Daddy's", and this morning he asked how many sleeps until daddy "comes back".

He's a bright boy (I know we all say that - but he is, he's often mistaken for being 5/6yrs old by strangers) but he doesn't really seem to "get" what is happening.

Should I try to explain it to him again, or should I just leave it and wait for him to see what is happening.....and if the latter how long can I expect it to last??

[gillybean2]

Explain that there are so many sleeps until he will see Daddy, but that Daddy doesn't live here any more.

Are they staying with their Dad when he sees them? If so you can say so many sleeps till you go to daddy's home and you will the night.

He won't understand that Daddy doesn't live here for some time yet. Just reassure him and remind him that you both love him and that he will still get to see Daddy, just at Daddy's house and not mummy's house.

If he keeps asking then maybe put a chat up on the fridge or the wall so he can count down the days. It is something important and 'exciting' for them to look forward too, so encourage them in this, they will soon get used to it and it will become normal rather than something 'exciting' to count down too like Christmas

best of luck
Gilly

[littlewoman]

How heartbreaking for you. No advice, I'm afraid, just sad for you all.