2 year old bad mood and sleep regression after time away from us

[Mumlifeandstuff]

Hey!

So recently we find if ever my son stays at his grandparents, whether it be for one night of 4 nights - when he returns he is not excited to see us and always in the worst mood!

Nearlly every time like 90% we also experience a sleep regression when he returns home and he battles bedtime big time!

has anyone had anything similar and has any tips?

he goes to my mums and nursery 4 days a week and always cried at drop off so he is a sensitive soul! But we thought that and also nights with grandparents may get better now or maybe I’m being delusional😅

anyway, anyone had similar?

I mean, how many nights is he spending there and how often is he spending 4 nights? At his age you'd be thinking of overnights being more of an occasional basis rather than a regular thing? He might be reacting badly at home because he's feeling insecure as having too much time away from you and too much unpredictability in his life? Toddlers thrive on routine. I'd be avoiding lots of overnight stays etc until he is older.

It’s like once every 4/5 months! So not often at all. So he had a week with his grandparents in july as they don’t live local and then one night last night with other grandmother . so not often in my opinion xx

If anyone has a sensitive little one, did anything help with separation anxiety? X

Does he sleep through and do they keep to the same routine you do when he's there?

Yeah he sleeps through and settles fine. Has exactly the same routine there, his bedding, nightlight, same time to get him up. It just seems to trigger something in him because when he gets home he’s upset at bedtime. Which of course I totally get, just thinking if there is anything I can do to help.

I obviously spend as much time as I can with him outside of work and he only stays away every 4 or 5 months. X

Fair enough. Your post read like it was a really regular occurrence. If it's that infrequent I wouldn't worry too much? He's probably acting out a bit because he's relieved to have you back. Classic big emotions, difficult for him to manage. Just give him lots of love and reassurance. It will get better as he gets older.