A bit worried about leaving DD behind when I go away

[winnybella]

I have recently started talking to my father with whom I didn't have any contact for many years. He's now in the South of France on his boat with my half sister. I planned on joining them for a few days and also on picking DS (8) from his GPs on a way and taking him with me- since DD was born we didn't have much time together, just the two of us, so I thought it would be nice.

However. DD is 18 months, loves her daddy to bits and I'm sure DP would be great at taking care of her for 5 days. She still breastfeeds, but only twice a day and it's more of a comfort thing, it doesn't last more than a few minutes and sometimes she can go without.

Anyway, I was wondering, since I take care of her during the week, will she miss me horribly? Or will she be ok?

I really want to go, but I'm a bit worried.

She will miss you, 5 days is a long time, but she will be ok. She might be distant wth you when you fist come back, so be prepared for that.

Shit .

She was away from me once, when DP took her to visit MIL for 4 days and supposedly she was fine and was definitely not distant when they came back.

But there she had lots of new things to distract her and now she'll stay at home where she's used to my presence iyswim.

bump

My DD just went to stay with her GP with my DH for three days. We had never been apart before. She loved it! Took it totally in her stride and had a ball. She'll be just fine, I'm sure. And it sounds like a lovely plan for you to get to spend some precious time alone with your DS. I was reading something the other day about the importance for older children of still feeling there is individual time for them with their parents. You'll miss her more than she misses you I expect!

Do it! I left my DD1 for a week with her dad when she was 9 months old, and she did miss me a bit, but was fine. Both she and her Dad enjoyed the chance to bond.

Thank you all.

Yes, I think I'll go, I really would like a little break from the routine.

Isn't it annoying, though, how when you take care of a child every day and say to yourself 'oh, I would love to have a break' but then when it actually becomes a possibility, you just worry.

I had to leave my 2 year old DD for 3 nights for work - longest yet, normally just away for 1 or 2 nights and she was just fine as was I.
At 5 months I left her for 5 months to go to Paris with mother and that was a huge mistake for both of us but forgotton within a few days. At 18months I think you will both be fine.