Five nights away from my 21 month old! Feeling emotional

[lucielou82]

Just looking for some virtual hand holding. My daughter is about to spend five nights away from me, as she is going away with her dad.

I don't begrudge the time she is going, but selfishly I am feeling really sad about it! The longest we've spent apart is two nights. We do so much together and have a lovely bedtime routine and I'm just sad as I can't explain to her why we won't see each other for the next five days. I go between worrying that she'll forget me to worrying she'll think I've abandoned her! (I know these are probably both unrealistic). I'm trying to keep myself busy and have a little seaside break planned with her when she comes back.

Has anyone else had to be separated from their young child for such a long period? How do you cope? Were they ok going away for so long? (Before anyone shouts me down I'm not saying she won't have a good time with her dad, but it's natural for young children to miss their mothers)! Any advice and support from people who have been through similar greatly appreciated

Xxxx

Anyone? X

I had to travel for work for up to a week from when I went back from mat leave when she was six months old. She was with her dad. It was fine.

Enjoy it, wish I got a break

I spent 5 nights away from my daughter in June (she was 15 months) I went I Glastonbury and she was with my mum and sister ! She had a great time with them -& she’s easily distracted 😂

they said at night she was a bit needy and needed a lot of help to get to sleep was all - whereas usually we just put her in the cot say goodnight after a quick book & cuddle. She also was still breastfed so her little comfort from that was taken away which I was worried about - but she was totally fine

I found it difficult the first night then it just got properly relaxed and had a brilliant time! I didn’t realise how much I needed the break tbh

you should arrange lots of nice things for yourself while she’s gone and the time will fly (and get some sleep/have a lie in)

honestly one of the best things when I was away was waking up and turning round and going back to sleep for another 2 hours 😂😂

@Fupoffyagrasshole that sounds amazing! Thanks for lovely message... I think it's more the worry before she goes and actually it won't be that bad! I have a party on the Saturday night, which will be fun and then work drinks on a Tuesday night in London, which is a novelty now! Xxx

Ds was 25m when i split with ex. By 27m he stayed there 2 weeks that summer as he went away. And has always done every other xmas, birthday etc.
Its hard but try to enjoy the time.
List things you need to do and want to do. To occupy yourself