How do you prepare your little ones for being away from you? Tell us for a chance to win one of TWO Owl Babies bundles, including copies of the book plus Ollie the Owl Sound and Light Gro Friend

Honestly ive never had a problem. My kids are too eager to go for my liking lol

My little ones have never stayed anywhere without me. I have gone out for a few hours. In which case I've bribed them with a little toy.

I usually prepare beforehand by mentioning it.
Get them to help get clothes ready.
Make sure night time teddies are packed.

Ive always talked to my kids about things well in advance so as not to spring it upon them. They know that Mummy and Daddy are very independant and sometimes go away. They are always very secure as one of us is there. We have never been in the situation to go away for a night together.

Keep your promise- if you say you'll be back at/by a certain time, for goodness sake make sure you're there!

Don't linger at goodbyes either, keep it lighthearted and brisk.

I'm completely honest with them and prepare them in advance. I tell them where they are going and who will be looking after them. When I'm ready to say goodbye I do so firmly and calmly with a hug and kiss and leave quickly.

I think it's good to start at a young age so they're not too clingy at the start. Let them spend time with family and friends and build it up gradually, from spending more time with another adult when you're in the same room, then just being looked after for a few minutes, building up to things like sleepovers.

The day before I explain what's happening, where I'm going, where she's going. We pack up a little bag of things and then I get a "something" (the latest is a conker, something small) and tell her that if she's missing me to hold that and I'll know. Works for us!!!

My just turned 6 years old ( yesterday ) daughter and i we've made a deal.
Everytime i'll be far away from her or vice versa and she would missed me,she just has to close her eyes tight and think about me very hard then she'll be able to feel me by her side and her fear will go away if she encountered a bad moment.
And this worked for us specially at the start of school she was wuite very upset to leave me as we're very very close together.

I help them pack their favourite toys and pyjamas. Talk about how much fun they will have and what we will do when I see them again. Give them something to look or ward to do that they see it as a fun night away. Usually works.

I started by saying that I would be back soon, and going outside for 10 minutes, then came back, so they got used to the idea that I always came back, then it just got longer, and I've not had a problem because they know I'll always come back when I leave.

I pack plenty of snacks and toys that will keep them entertained and excited to go with.

I have a consistent routine so they know what to expect, this evolves as they grow.

Currently for my 3 year old I...

• explain the where, when, why and how.
• involve them in packing a bag, asking if there's anything in particular they want to take with them e.g. toy, teddy, snack, clothes.
• give them a kiss, tell them I love them and I'll see them later.

When I see them again I am excited, hug them and ask about what they've been doing giving them time to answer with my full attention.

It helps me as well as them to have a routine

By explaining why (work) and when I'd be back quite calmly and clearly.

Make sure they have all their favourite things, such as teddy, drink cup, toy etc. I also talk to them about it in days before so they are prepared

I tell him a story of what is going to happen, trying to make it as enticing and reassuring as possible and then do the same when we are together again, building it bit by bit on memories of being apart

I rarely get a second look when I have dropped my little girl (21 months) to her childminder's. She loves going there and interacting with the other children, and pets! She's a confident little thing and I know she's always had fun because she has always come back smiling. I think if you're happy, then they're happy 😊

Pack their favourite cuddly toy or blanket or whatever it is. Explain when you will be back (dinner, breakfast etc). Let them know what they are going to be doing & what to expect

Explain as much as possible to them, who they can expect to be there, what they can expect to do and how much of an adventure it will be

I think the most important thing is that they feel secure all the time as then they'll always be confident that you'll be back! Having their favourite toy/comforter gives them something familiar and always let them know exactly when you'll be back (and make sure you stick to it!!)

Explain how much fun they will have, let them choose a favourite toy and help pack their bags and just keep reminding them they will be back very soon

Always tell them and reassure them you are coming back. Start going out for short periods and coming back so they get used to it. If you are going for a while, promise them a treat.

I make sure they have plenty of time with whoever is looking after them before we leave. I explain that we're going out and when we'll be back (in relation to their day) so they don't worry that we've got lost or have forgotten them.

I have tried to make my little boy as I dependant as possible from an early age. He happily goes off to nursery and now school as long as he has familiar things with him e.g. His water bottle and soft toy as long as he knows in the morning who will pick him up that day. He doesn't like surprises!

The only time I've had to be away from my kids, my husband was with them, so they were fine. I just told them the truth, where I was going and when I'd be back.