to be totally dreading being away for 2.5 days from my children next week?

[ilikeyoursleeves]

I feel a bt of a wuss. I have to go away with work next week for 2 days overnight, leaving the day before to travel there too and I just keep thinking how much I am going to miss my boys. They are only little, age 1 and 3 years old and I have never been away from them other than away from DS1 for one day when I gave birth to DS2.

AIBU? Any tips to ease the pain?

Sob :(

Aaah, poor you! My poor DH had to go to the US for a week when my DS2 was three or four weeks old (having delayed it so he wasn't away in case the baby was early) and I sometimes think he's still traumatised. DS2 is nearly five, btw. Personally I'd be gagging for 2.5 days away on my own, even for work but mine are 7 and nearly 5 ;).

Tbh, I was delighted when DP took DD (10 mo then, I think) to MIL's for a few days. I only started to really miss her, as in ache for her, the last day or so.

Just enjoy the free evenings.

Oh you will feel strange. But they won't suffer. I left my three (DD1, 5, DD2, 3, DD3, 1, ) for a week last summer and it was hard but I got through it and they were fine. It was lovely coming home.

Maybe it'd be OK wif I had free evening but 2 of the evenings will be solid travelling and the other one is a stupid dinner thing to 'network' urgh.

I actually think it's easier of your time is filled.

But yes urghh to networking. I remember that.

you'll miss them, but they'll be fine and it will do your DH good. My dh says he likes it when its just him and ds.

I like having time to paint my toenails and have a bath on my own. Plus a leisurely breakfast

Pack some bubble bath, a good book, and whatever else you need to create an oasis of relaxation in your hotel room, make a quick phonecall home each day to check how they all are, and then enjoy a couple of nice peaceful evenings all to yourself. Make the most of it!

Ah yes maybe I should focus on that, a big fry up in a swanky hotel without anyone screaming for more Cheerios :)

YABU - enjoy it ffs, while you have the chance.
They will survive without you.
Remember what is was like to be free??????

My DD1 is 9 and going to Spain in the Easter holidays for ten days! The most I've done in the past is leave her at home with DH while I went away for 4 days. This is a whole different ballgame! :(

And make sure to have an extra cup of tea - just cos you can.

I also like taking time doing my hair without assistance

Oh I loved soaking in bath that I didn't have to clean first

And you might be able to read a magazine. Listen to music. Eat some nice food. Sleep.

YABU. I stayed out from my DS for a night out with friends age 5 months. I have been on several short breaks since, as has my DP. We do not want to bring up a nation of children lacking in independence, having been wrapped up in cotton wool and tied to their mum's apron strings.

If dad is very hands on you have nothing to fear.

My DD 9 yo goes to Cyprus next weeks for 2 weeks with DP to visit her grandparents. She goes every year but usually Gran comes over for her so this is the first time DP has been away with her.

I know that when I take them to the airport, I'll cry loads but then when I get home I'll mope about for 10 mins a couple of days then get on with enjoying the peace and quiet

Mare, you sound lovely!!

Sleevesy, try not to worry to much, you'll be fine, and so will your DC. I realise what I'm about to say is quite emotive, but 2 weeks ago I spent my first ever night away from my DDs - also age 3 and 1 - I always imagined it would be because DH and I were having a romantic weekend away, but it was actually to keep DH company on the oncology ward where he was being treated for his terminal cancer.

It was hard, being away from my beautiful, wrapped in cotton wool children, but for those 2 nights it was important I was with DH.

I am nice, and understand the concerns.

But I also make no apology for straight talking. This is how this forum should be.

Rindercella, thoughts with you at what must be a difficult time.

Can I come with you??

Rindercella, I am so sorry to read about your DH, how awful for you and your family. It's times like that that our family feels even more precious.

Mare- I don't wrap my children up in cotton wool, that's not what my post was about at all. It's about me missing them, not me worrying that something will happen to them just because i am not there! They will probably have a great time with their daddy :)

Sidge, yes you can come but only if you do all the networking sheeite.

i think it's lovely that you will miss them so much. Much better than the opposite!
But I think you'll probably enjoy a bit of relaxation time too when it comes down to it.

Hi - left my DS2 also 1 for the first time over night - really missed him - but it was lovely to have some non-mummy time too!