Feeling very worried and can't be bothered to change my name....

[Callmemadam]

I thought about changing as I am embarrrassed about this post, but can't work out how to do it quickly enough to get this off my chest!

DH has booked to take us both to Venice next week for a few days; eldest 3 are boarders so won't be out until the weekend, and youngest dd will be looked after by the lady who helps run the household so they will all be fine. problem is, I haven't been away without the children since dd2 was born 5 years ago, and NEVER abroad. I am so frightened, and even knowing there is a packet of (unopened) Diazapam in my medicine cupboard is not helping. To put it in context, I used to fly a lot when working, but since the children have come along that has dwindled, and Corsica last summer was the first time in 7 years. I then flew to Amsterdam in November, but that was with dd2 so although I was scared it wasn't the total panic I am feeling now. I am scared that I will bottle out at the last moment. I tried telling dh how I felt, and he responded by saying that maybe we should take separate flights which drained me of any resolve I had !!! (he flys quite a lot btw).

How many MNers go away without their children, and how do I manage to get the panic under control - or am I right to panic? I would really appreciate some help here... TIA

what are you scared about? the flying or the leaving the children?

why on earth did your DH suggest separate flights?

Maybe he suggested separate flights because if they were both on the same flight and something terrible happened, the children would be orphans, that's the only reason I can think of.

I'm sure it's only natural to worry about going away without your children, I've never spent the night away from home and my children, but I can imagine you'd be worried about leaving them. Hope someone comes along with more advice for you .

you must be used to being away from your children if they board.

You could be back really quickly if there was a problem. Are you always this worried?

Just spent ten days away without my dd-- since getting back we have got on better than ever ! Also the trip went very well.
But I was dreading it before hand, really sad about leaving her. I shouldn't have worried!
You can do it, you;ve done it before. keep focussing on how wonderful it will feel to be there

We went to Greece when my eldest was not quite 1. Was supposed to be for a week but I flew home by myself after 4 nights because I missed her so much!
Came back with a surprise bun in the oven which felt like karma so I felt even more guilty! I'd do 4nights again but can't imagine anyone would take both our kids nowadays.

I think its the flying I'm scared of - not the being away from the children as I know what each of them will be doing while I am away and we talk every day....its just that I seem to have become scared of doing anything without them for some reason but I can't rationalise it away iyswim. I also feel that I should always be here and run no risks, becuase of them, yet stupidly that doesn't seem to stop me driving on the M25 or enjoying a glass of wine or stuff like that. I just feel worried and stupid at the same time.

dont feel stupid

it is a rational fear

I also hate flying

I PROMISE you your plane will not crash

nothing nasty will happen

You have Enids word.

Take a valium and have a lrage glass of red the minute you get on

I know what you mean. I used to fly alot with work, then the kids came along and I am a bag of nerves now. We are flying next week as a family and I am already nervous.