16 month old DD missing her dad

[sarahtigh]

my Dh has had to go away for about 10 maybe 12 days ( now day 5), my DD normally very confident and happy smiling child rarely cries unless hurt, was fine for 2 days now seems sad and wants to be with me all the time would not stay in creche at church and follows me everywhere.
My DH is self employed and mostly works at home so she is used to him being around, though in his garage/workshop. Had to go to garage today and she walked around his ride on tractor/mower thing and the got tearful
He can not come back any sooner and I know lots of people are in this situation but any advice on best way to deal with her for the next week, I can and am playing with her more and taking her out

Hi Sarah - it is hard to begin with (dh is in the forces so goes on long deployments) but it really is for such a short time (relatively speaking) that although your dd is upset and bewildered now, at 16 months she won't remember him being away.

Just try to arrange something to do each day - get her to 'help' you do your chores and play singing games etc. Try to get out of the house at least once a day - meet up with a friend for a cuppa so you can have a break and she can see another child.

Take to her to a local children's farm and soft play or just for a walk in the woods/through the fields etc.

Even a return ride on the bus will be exciting for her - even if you don't get off at the last stop but come straight home again.

Towards the end of the week, perhaps make a handprint card for his return.

A photo of daddy that she can keep on her?

My dp works away 12 days out of 14 and I have trouble with ds (23months) missing him too, I try to keep him busy and occupied but tonight he found a keyring in my bedroom with daddy's photo on it, you know the one's you get at theme parks etc, he kept it on him all evening and went to bed with it tonight.

Dp is actually home now (just got in) so ds will be happy in the morning but it's good to know he has a little something to remind him of daddy while he's away.

Can you skype?

sorry can't skype as almost no reception where he is for mobile and hearing daddy talk on the phone seems to make her worse

we have something planned for every day but its just so sad seeing my happy girl laughing all the time and running round like mad into everything just wanting to sit on my lap with book or to cuddle of course I love the cuddles but she so likes to be running normally abd only cuddles at bedtime glad she is still sleeping happily though

He will be back next sunday then on monday we have to go to my grandfathers funeral so straight off to other end of the country and staying with my mum for 2 nights

thanks for all your lovely ideas will get her a print out of a photo of herself and daddy to keep