How to prepare 25 month old for me being away for a week

[bonkers20]

I am going to a conference in LA in a couple of weeks. My co-sleeping, BF toddler will be staying with my sister.

I am anxious about him missing me while I'm away but don't really know how to prepare him as he has no concept of time (number of sleeps etc).

I have started to talk to him about him staying with Auntie S when Mummy is in America or when he asks for a cuddle I'll tell him that Auntie S also gives cuddles.

I think he'll get that when Mummy isn't there he can't have mummy milk, but...I don't know....I just feel all torn up inside thinking about how he'll feel and how it will affect him.

He IS used to Mummy coming back because he goes to nursery so he does know that concept.

[KvetaBarry]

I went away for a conference for a week when my bf co-sleeping toddler was 18 months. told him mummy was going away but would be back next week, and left daddy in charge.

I got back to a rapturous welcome with lots of clingy cuddles, and lots of feeds for a few days, but otherwise it was like I hadn't been away. Except for the jet lag, which toddlers have no respect for!

I did skype them on 2 of the days I was away, so saw him on the web cam, and chatted to him, but otherwise no contact.

He was and is fine with it, and is still bfing at 20 months :)

enjoy your conference, and see what exciting toys you can pick up in the US!! DS loves his american police car, and light up ball :)

[dontrunwithscissors]

I went away for a fortnight when DD1 was 27 months (not BFing). I bought a whole load of little gifts (a colouring book, playing cards etc etc.) and wrapped them all. DD1 got to open a present each morning as a gift from me whilst I was away. We told her that when all the presents were gone, that meant Mummy was coming home. She didn't have any concept of time at that age, but she understood it with the help of the presents. It worked very well, and provided a distraction for the mornings if she was wondering where I was. I also spoke to her on skype each day. I'm going away for a week on Monday. DD1 will be fine (she's 4), but I'm not sure how DD2 will take it (16 months.) Unfortunately, she's too young to understand the present arrangement.

[bonkers20]

Thank you both. I am reassured (and a bit teary) now. I didn't travel like this until DS1 was 3 and that made a huge difference.
My sister has suggested I get the Owl Babies book.
I'm not sure how I feel about Skype, it might make it all the more difficult if my sister has settled into a good routine with him.

[wompoopigeon]

Owl Babies! I was going to suggest Owl Babies!

Another good one is to give him something of yours to "look after" until you come back to get it. Something personal and closely associated with you, like a scarf you always wear. That is a visible sign of you, a promise you'll come back as it's precious, and a job for him - to look after it for you.

Hope it goes well. Beware of unsettled behaviour when you come back - punishing you for going away!

[bonkers20]

Awww....teary eyed again (not helped by him still being asleep right now and looking like the most cute little man that was ever born - along with his big bro of course).

It's a really good idea, thank you.

Yes, I'm prepared for some clingyness and aloofness when I return.

[MovingAndScared]

Hi could you do a trial bedtime when your sister does it - so you know that works - think you would need to be out of the house maybe
Skype also worked well when my DH was away for 3 weeks with my DS was that age