Leaving 18 month old for four days

[BlazeofLight]

I am leaving my 18 month old for four days (three nights) for a business trip. I thought I would be fine about it, but now I am actually leaving I am in bits.

Is there anything I can do to help prepare him? I have only ever been away for one night, once before.

I am really worried he will feel abandoned, even though I know he will be with DH/my mother. Just worried he'll miss me.

And know that I will miss him loads also paranoid about plane crashing and leaving him motherless

Just looking for advice or hand-holding really. Stupidly worried he will reject me when I get back.

No advice but I'm leaving my DC for 4 days/3 nights to attend a funeral. I've never been away from all of them overnight before, am acting calm but actually bricking it as have to trust my DH.

Youngest is 23 months and I think she'll struggle but I'm a SAHM so can be around her and provide lots of reassurance once I'm back (that's how I'm selling it to myself anyway!) actually typing that, I think all the DC will struggle as DH travels a lot for work but I am the constant one.

Consider your hand held... I think I'll struggle once I've driven away but can blame that on bereavement!

Oh and my Dad travelled a lot when we were little. My mum said that the youngest ones always 'punished' him when he came back. Sometimes by ignoring him or by refusing to leave his side! Just be ready for a little bit of kick back and try to stay rational. It won't last for long! bring back presents, chocolate worked for us

Your dc will be absolutely fine hes not being abandoned he's with his Dad. Nothing wrong with a bit of Dad and Lad time don't stress about it and look forward to the big smiles kisses and cuddles on your return

Ps I speak from experience I've left mine several times for days at a time generally they've had a ball why I've been away and been spoilt rotten by Dad and Grandparents

Thanks Moomoob. I know his Dad will take good care of him, it is just that I am the primary care giver (DH is usually the one travelling most weeks). But you are right it will be good for them to have time together.

Helena, I am so sorry for your loss - and also sorry that you are also facing time away from your DC too. It is so difficult to be rational about the separation!

He might not have had his 5 a day every day, had at least 1 trip to McDonald's, ate more biscuits that normal and probably gone to bed a bit later but he'll be in 1 piece and be happy. We all feel same the 1st time we leave our dc cos let's face it no one can look after them as good as we can (or maybe that's just me that thinks that)