Leaving dc for 2 days - what do I tell them?

[debliz5]

Hi,

We live in Amsterdam and am popping over to London for 2 days to see my Grandma. She's not very well at the moment and for to have a 3.9 & a 2 year old around will be too much of a hastle fo her.
I have never left the kids for more than a couple of hours (at a time). I'm home with them (don't work), so they're not even used to me going off to work or something. I don't want to tell them I'm going to grandma's as I don't think they would understand why they're not coming as they did last year.
What can i tell them?
Thanks

[hudgebar]

They will miss you far less than you think as long as they are with someone they know - honest. I would say you are going to see a friend for two days who is poorly and will be back really soon when you will do all sorts of fun things ... If you are cheerful about it, even if they cry, they will be less distressed. If you are visably upset, so will they be. It's hard, but you have to go and they will be fine, honest.

[debliz5]

Thanks! Tëlling them about a friend is a good idea. I really hope they don't miss me too much - after all, they'll be home with their dad who is planning a good time for them!

[chopster]

they will be fine. I don't tell my younger kids anything, I jsut go!

[chopster]

if you don't make a big deal out of it, hopefully enither will they. You will def miss them more than they will you, Im afraid.

[throckenholt]

tell them that you have to go away for 2 days (don't mention who you are going to see) - show them on the calendar when you will be back - they won't totally understand but it will give them something to focus on - and pester dad about endlessly until you get back .

And tell them they are having a special holiday at home with dad - and he will probably do all sorts of things with them that you won't allow so they must keep them secret - they will love that - and won't be able to - and will blurt it all out as soon as you walk in the door.

Will they be taking you to the airport or station ? That might be fun for them.

Also make sure to ring them - mine loved talking on the phone at that age. Have a practise run on the phone if you have never phoned them before.

Hope your mum (?) gets better soon.

[debliz5]

Thanks all, for your lovely advice.
I don't think they'll come with me to the airport, I thought it's better to just leave the house with hugs and kisses and not make a big deal out of it. Also, as you all mentioned, it will be more difficult for me than for them, and I might get emotional at the airport and seeing me cry is the last thing they need...

[throckenholt]

how about them picking you up from the airport ? - it would be fun for them to go and watch the planes landing and meeting you coming out (unless it is too late in the day for them).