Mum away for ten days- how to tell 2 year old?

[Emu1969]

My wife's a languages teacher who'll be taking an exchange group to Germany in a few day's time.

She's done it before, but I know our little boy who's about 2 yrs 5 months will really miss her this time. We've both work full time and are pretty equal in roles as parents. But boys love their mums! Any tips on how/ when to tell him???

I wouldn't tell him too early, maybe a week before other wise it'll feel like a very long time.

Do a count down to the day when she's due to come back - something visual he can see, paper chains work well then he can snip one off a day etc when there aren't any left mummy's coming home.

If she can call, use wifi for a chat everyday that would be helpful although probably best to avoid bedtime.

You could take over more of the bedtime routine if you don't already in the fortnight leading up so not a big change.

Thanks. Some helpful advice. She's away this Wednesday. We pretty much share bedtimes so he's used to me doing that part anyway. Like the paper chains / tick off idea.

I've travelled since ds was 6 months old. I don't tell ds that I'm away until 2 days before, and its always best imo to be really, really matter of fact before and when leaving. Personally, and in the experience of my colleagues, phoning/skyping can actually make things worse until they are 7 or so.

I used to do it for a week every couple of months. They had their own routine after the first time. They got to watch a bit more TV etc I didn't phone home when they were up as it would have upset them. I would do it the night before I was coming home .

Can you get a scrapbook and fill it with things he did every day so he can show Mummy when she's home? From breakfast to a leaf he picked up, basic things. It'll help keep him occupied and it would be a great thing for your wife who will probably miss him like crazy!

Gah! Conflicting advice! Just set Skype up and not not sure whether to use it now!