First night away from ds (2.7)

[tribpot]

Hello all,

Tomorrow night, for the first time ever, I am compelled by work to be in Exeter when ds (and dh and my mum) will be in Leeds.

I am absolutely terrified about the whole thing - how do I get through it, how do I help ds to get through it? He normally wakes up about 2 a.m. and I co-sleep with him after that.

Hi Tribpot

I'm sure the thought of it will be far worse than the reality. Have you told him you'll be away? If he's 2.7 he should be old enough to accept it and that it's only for one night. Will your dh sleep with him instead?

The worst that can happen is that he will miss you and cry and not get back to sleep for a while, but I'm sure your dh will cope and one thing that is certain is that he will stop crying and go back to sleep.

The worst thing for you is that you miss him and don't sleep and worry yourself silly, but one thing that is also certain is that you will survive! And I bet it won't be anywhere near as bad as you think it's going to be.

Good luck and be strong [hugs]

Thanks ChiefFairyCakeMaker - hope it will be okay. Dh may have a bit of a rough night with him but at least Grannie will be on hand to take over in the morning (she does not do nights - ever! - and I don't blame her).

I've started telling him this morning as I thought any earlier than that and I'd be guaranteed a bad night's sleep with him.

I read this book with DS1 whereby mummy was going away, and she gave her son (well, they were bears to be precise!!!) something of hers to look after while she was away.

Perhaps you could give him a glove / toy or something of yours and tell him if he wakes during the night he should cuddle it and think of you.

I would also tell him when you'll be back:
after one sleep, and after tea-time, or something like that.

And I find that promises of gifts are always effective!!!!!

Good luck (and assuming it all goes well perhaps you and your DH could head away for a night on your own???!!!)

how did it go? he looked fine and happy at pre school

Fine thanks auntymandy, and thanks to all for the support. Naturally where he kicks off big time about going to preschool, if Grannie takes him he's quite happy. He went to bed okay, didn't want to talk to me on the phone but was fine with me when I got back (armed, naturally, with bribe of toy plane!).

Not sure about a night on our own, but glad that he seems to be reaching a stage when he can understand a little bit more what's going on.

Thanks again all.