Week away from dd3

[Onestepawayfrom]

Dd is almost 3 and has just gone to her dads for a week for the first time. Longest I been away from her is 2 nights.

My ex was emotionally abusive and dd never wants to talk about him, at home or nursery. But this post is more about has any other resident parents done this, how did you cope for a week, how were your little ones when they came home? Dd and I have a close bond and I just wonder if she’ll feel abandoned or hate me upon returning home

don't know what the answer is but it's really hard. She might well be cross with you when she comes home. But that's ok. You'll reset it with her I'm sure

I'm sure he will be doing the super dad routine whilst she is there. Try not to worry.

Mine go for long weekends. And are always pleased to be back. They know home is the safe calm place. Give them time to adjust. Lots of cuddles. And early night. My youngest always chats more at this point of the day.

I try not to ask lots of questions. Just ask if they have had fun.

At the beginning I use to plan the time without them like a military operation. See friends. Volunteer. And force myself to stay home for part of the day.

I don't have contact with the children when they are with their dad. But they haven't gone for more than 3 nights. They were little when they first started going and I didn't want them getting upset if I called. They are older now but I still do this.

Will she be back tomorrow?
I hope that you were able to stay busy

She is back on Monday, just about managed to keep busy. But bloody hell I miss her so much, can’t wait to see her face

@Onestepawayfrom how did it go on Monday? I've got a separation from my little one coming up and I'm worried x

Well, dd was happy to see me but she has had a regression in her potty training and sleep, her has a speech delay and it’s regressed again. On top of all this all week throwing tantrums if we are away from home, full on meltdowns though. To make matters worse she went again for a week today and exp is unwilling to work with me in order to support dds development.

Currently only have one video call with dd while she is away for a week, I’ve asked exp for two or more to see if it helps ease her anxiety but of course exp has refused and threatened legal action again if I raise concerns. So yeh not great

Oh @onestepawayfrom I'm so sorry to hear that. Why has she gone for another week? Oh you poor things. It's awful isn't it. Mine is a bugger with the phone too - it's part of being an arsehole I think :( . He's just not straightforward about it. Mine phone him from my house but he's such a control freak he won't facilitate phone calls this way. It's just desperate. I just don't know what the answer is.

@blackcurrantjam, court ordered and I think it’s very much his parents driving contact regardless of how it affects dd. Such mum guilt the past day, poor bub just doesn’t understand she has to spend time with her dad