Leaving my 2 year old overnight for the first time

[Snaggysnoo]

I’m going away for 3 nights soon, it’s work related.
My son will be with his dad the whole time, but I’ve never left him overnight before.
I’m worried that he’ll wake in the night wanting me or that he’ll wake in the morning confused as to why I’m not there, when he comes into the bed for a cuddle (he does most mornings).
His dad will be with him 24/7 and they have a very close bond, but I’m already feeling guilty and worried.
Can anyone put my mind at ease?

Perfectly normal to feel this way but if he has a good bond with his dad I can unequivocally say he will be completely fine!

My DC are very much my shadows and "mummy's girls" and will ask where I am but then accept it and have never really been bothered that I'm gone (I was a bit insulted initially )

Enjoy the peace 😉

My one piece of advice is do not phone at bedtime. No matter how much you want to say goodnight or think it will help. I did this once and once only when I left DD with DH and she wailed afterwards because it just reminded her that I wasn't there. Leave them to it, they will be fine.

Can you do a few bedtimes where DH puts DS to bed and you go for a walk or something so you are out of the house but there when he wakes up. That might help put your mind at rest.

I used to travel for work, although typically when my DD was a bit older. It is very hard to say goodbye, but just for a few nights it is fine. Daddy will have some good distractions lined up, I’m sure. Make sure you’ve disrupted bedtimes a bit in the run up to your trip ie get DH to do the night time settling and wake ups so your little one isn’t entirely dependent on you.

Mornings are usually the easiest time, as that is when they are lively and hungry (easy to distract with a bowl of cereal). I expect your son will have a great time with daddy, and during the wobbly times some extra cuddles, a treat, etc, or even going into bed with daddy if it helps at night.

If daddy sticks largely to the usual routine and just says, “mummy is out, we will see her tomorrow” that is okay. At two they have little concept of time. It will give you some pangs to leave but when you get stuck into work the time will pass quickly and you will be back before you know it.

Time for tea: Can you do a few bedtimes where DH puts DS to bed and you go for a walk or something so you are out of the house but there when he wakes up. That might help put your mind at rest.
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That is a very good idea. I am sure he will be fine with his dad as they have a close bond. He'll probably sleep with him.

It is difficult though, I understand how you feel.

Thanks for the replies. Yes I think they’ll end up in the bed together which isn’t an issue. I just feel really bad, like I shouldn’t be leaving him for 3 nights even though I need to to. There have been a lot of toddler tantrums lately which I won’t miss! But I’m hoping they won’t get worse because I’m not there.

Totally normal to feel this way, but he’s with his dad. He loves his dad if he feels sad for a min his dad being there will cheer him up.