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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

117 replies

SorchaMumsnet · 08/09/2017 12:52

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the beloved Owl Babies with the board book and paperback editions of this bestselling bedtime classic, which continues to comfort young readers the world over!

“I want my mummy!” said Bill.

On a tree in the woods, three baby owls, Sarah and Percy and Bill, sit and think and wait for their Owl Mother to come HOME.

We have two Owl Babies 25th anniversary bundles to give away - including copies of the book in paperback and board book, plus a gorgeous Ollie the Owl from the Gro Company - the brand new sound and light sleep aid with built in CrySensor to help your little one sleep soundly under Ollie’s wing.

For your chance to win an Owl Babies bundle, just share your top tips for preparing your little ones for being away from you.

Buy the board book and paperback from Amazon

This discussion is sponsored by Walker Books and will end on 6 October

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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
OP posts:
totolouise · 16/09/2017 12:07

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 😊

Iamthestorm · 16/09/2017 13:02

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

Lindsaym1983 · 16/09/2017 13:11

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

nerysw · 16/09/2017 14:55

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

tregeln · 16/09/2017 15:17

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 Smile

Enigma222 · 16/09/2017 18:58

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

BlackSusie2004 · 16/09/2017 20:40

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.

Catiefraser · 16/09/2017 22:18

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.

Marie1276 · 16/09/2017 22:50

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.

Bingles · 17/09/2017 08:29

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!!!

CopperPan · 17/09/2017 08:34

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.

RedRoseMummy · 17/09/2017 10:40

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.

Dormouse1940 · 17/09/2017 18:32

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.

ozgirl74 · 17/09/2017 20:58

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.

lolapops1 · 17/09/2017 21:10

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

Reebs123 · 17/09/2017 22:54

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.

KullyK · 18/09/2017 02:56

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

CopperKettle11 · 18/09/2017 03:58

If they go for a sleepover at grandparents, they choose one teddy and a book to take with them to read at bedtime. I explain when I will be back in the morning to pick them up. They know how that they get an exciting breakfast (pain au chocolat or rice crispies!) when they go which helps......

wallers5 · 18/09/2017 06:15

By practising the event, getting a look at what's going to happen. Sharing & talking.

foxessocks · 18/09/2017 10:38

I just say a simple "I'll be back later have a lovely time bye" then hug, kiss and walk away!

Radley1 · 18/09/2017 13:14

By putting a watch on their wrist and showing them at what point
I will return

CatRash · 18/09/2017 14:58

Something which smells like Mum like a PJ top helps.

CordeliaScott · 18/09/2017 16:10

I am very clear that I am leaving but will be back. I do not sneak off when they are not looking, although I do try to ensure that they are settled before I go. They also take their favourite toys and books to keep them amused

Blahblahblueblee · 19/09/2017 17:09

I always leave them with people they know very well, usually in a place they know very well, such as our house or a grandparents house.
I tell them where I'm going and when I'll be back, I give them a big hug and kiss and say bye :)

claza93 · 21/09/2017 06:43

I make it all sound exciting and like it is a big game! I know that they will have lots of fun. Always give them a big hug, but at the point of leaving I try not to make too much fuss as I know this might make things worse