3w long business trip - leaving 2yo behind and dreading it!

[DeepDown12]

Title says it all, really.

I'm about to embark on a 3w long business trip, my first since DD was born 2y ago.

While I don't have any concerns about her safety and wellbeing (her father is very engaged and good with her) - I am in tears every night at the prospect of not seeing her for that period of time.

Due to Covid - I've never spent even full 24h away from her (she did have 2 sleepovers with grandparents) and now I'm supposed to do 21 days.

I know its not the end of the world and that other parents do it all the time so I am asking for your tips and advice - how do you cope with it, other than obvious video calls?

Ah, this is so tough.

I'm not sure if this will bring you much comfort but my husband works away for long periods of time and our two year old...just doesn't care? She asks about him sometimes but we talk about how he's at work and that's the end of that. I'm saying this in the hope that knowing she might not be distressed and pining without you will help...

Obvious video calls, he takes her favourite book and does bedtime stories sometimes, I try and tell him just general boring news from her day so he feels up-to-date on her nonsense, he also goes on the nursery system to see her pictures from the day.

Other than that, I think he just enjoys it? Imagine having a nice glass of wine like an actual grown up! No tantrums. No nappies!!

You'll be grand.

Thanks Bloodyhelldog - I love the bedtime stories idea!

How about recording a few bedtime stories that could be used on an advocate basis or if you aren’t available?

she will be fine and not traumatised long term and if your job entails these trips I guess you’ll get used to it eventually.

Good luck.

When me or DH are away for work, we find that DC doesn't really care! She's comfortable with us both, bonded to us both equally, so not fussed when one of us is missing. It's far worse for the adult going away, in my experience. I miss her terribly so try to keep busy, allow myself to feel the sadness but then make a conscious decision to mentally focus on the fun things we will do when I'm back, and focus on the great things I can do when I'm away. Usually when DH is away, me and DC have a lovely time together and I also try to remember how nice it is for DH to get that with her while I'm away too.