Tips for a week away from my toddler

[ElizabethLittle]

Hi there,

I have a work trip next week, leaving my 2.5 year old for a week. I’ve spent time away from her before for work but as she’s getting older it seems harder each time.

She’ll be with my husband and have her normal routine but I’m so worried she’ll miss me and wonder where I am.

I know I’ll have a great time once I get going and my work is important to me but the build up is killing me! Any tips for making this week less painful?!

Could you leave her a t-shirt of or something that has your smell?
Also could you do a bedtime story on facetime or record a couple before you go?

Yes! I can’t work out if FaceTime is a good idea - I’m not sure she’ll grasp what’s happening or not. I might record some video messages for her instead that my husband can show her.

Not the same thing but my DD is 2.5 and FaceTimes my mum with me, my mum goes travelling a lot and it's a good way to stay in touch. I think she understands.

I went on a work trip for about a week when DS was almost 2 and due to the time difference FaceTime wasn't an option.

But I sent plenty of pictures and videos that DH showed DS and and DH sent plenty back.
DS was totally happy as a clam (he had his usual routine) and I was so excited to see him when I got back.

Even though it was work, it felt like a mini recharge for me and I couldn't wait to see him when I got back.
DH and DS were totally happy and fine too.

I hope you have a lovely trip

Video messages are better than FaceTime. My kids love to watch them over and over again.

Thank you! I think the anticipation is worse to just getting going now. Just cried all over her as she slept, like a crazy woman.

I’ll definitely record some!

Did you find the build up to leaving far worse than the being away?

I had to leave my 2 year old for over a month due to a family emergency. She did act out a lot initially and went a bit wild but was more or less ok. If your husband can stick to routines it would be good (especially bed time ones) but I'd also cut them some slack to just do whatever works. It's a good opportunity for them to bond (not necessarily that they need it but I do find my toddler is more attached to dh now than before).

Wow, a month - superwoman. Funnily enough, I have zero worries about routine and care, it’s more just this fear she’ll be sad and feel I’ve left her. But perhaps I’m projecting all my fears and worries about leaving her on her and she’ll be perfectly happy. I’m not sure she has much concept of time.

Went away for 8 days or so when my ds was 2.2. Coped fine, but FaceTime nearly broke me so I'd maybe go with little video messages on what's app. You'll get through and she'll be fine with her Dad!

Yep! My worry is I’ll just cry on FaceTime, so pre-recorded messages might be better. And then I’ll ask for videos if I can trust I won’t cry over my phone.

To be honest, perhaps this is more a thread about me coping rather than her 🤣 I say this now, next week you’ll find me knocking back the wines and revelling in a bit of freedom from bath and bedtime.

DP and I both go away for work sometimes, normally more like 2-5 days. DS is nearly 2.5. We just keep the same routine and talk about where the other parent is and when they'll be back, e.g. 'Mummy's gone to London. She'll be back on Saturday. It's Thursday today.' It's always fine.

Thanks! Her routine will be normal - nursery days etc. I’ve left her quite a number of times but a week is the longest - but I’m guessing her concept of time is quite limited (that’s what I’m telling myself!)