Help - DD in crisis over me working during holidays

[hillbilly]

Brief history - DD (8) and DS (5) have always gone to play scheme/sports camp during the summer when I have had to work. I'm lucky in that it is my own business and during holidays I try to only work 3 days a week (normally work 5 days school hours).

We have just come back from a week away and my DD has been in hysterics tonight about not wanting me to work tomorrow. I told her that if I stay home tomorrow then I would have to work on Thursday (had intended to work Mon-Weds). She's begging me to take here and DS into the office which I cannot really do. I have an obligation to the childminder and also don't want to set a precedent for future tantrums, however feel heartbroken for her and realise that she just wants her mum. She's a very young and small 8 who is quite reluctant to move on from baby days in some ways.

Ironically she is a very adaptable girl and it has always been DS who has cried and cried when I took them to sports camp or other.

WWYD?

I would just be matter of fact about the whole situation. Yes acknowledge that she is upset, but just say that you have to work today/tomorrow/Wednesday, however on Thursday you are going to the park/make cakes/play with friends.

I always found it really helps my DD to know in advance when she is going into childcare and also get involved with planning what we would do when we are together.

As much as I would like to spend the whole summer with DD (and I really would), I can't let her think that if she makes enough fuss about my working I will do anything to placate her.

Thanks. She was fine this morning. I asked the childminder to come at 10 instead if 9 which made for a more relaxed start to the day.

Great, glad it went well.