Get a copy of "The Moon Was the Best" by Charlotte Zolotow. It's a picture book story of a mother's trip away. My daughter was 6 when I went to Paris, where the book is set, and we both loved the idea that we were looking at the same moon even when we were far apart.
This time together is a tremendous gift for your kids and their dad-just don't be disappointed when your daughter seems a little more grown-up (as mine did) when you see her again.

mebe et al, and Susan (above):

Not to go too far off topic ...

That "moon theme" was followed brilliantly, poignantly and warmly in a movie we say last night..."Under the Same Moon"...it's a "must see"....it deals with the plight of illegal immigrants and the separation of a mother and her nine year old son, who communicate with each other by onece-a-week phone call, and also by looking at the same moon, hundred of miles apart. Bring kleenex!!

Stu T.

And while on the same subject, Phil Collins wrote a lovely song called The Same Moon. It's on his Dance into the Light album.

""If you choose a time, I'll catch the moon
I'll see you there""

http://www.musicsonglyrics.com/P/phi...moonlyrics.htm

I agree with those who are saying doing too much causes problems.

I know it is hard the first time you go away from them but to be honest it's a lot harder for you than it is for them. They don't actually have any massive disruption - they are at home, with dad, no biggie really. You are the one who will have the strongest emotions to deal with. Honestly. Your kids will be 100% fine. And so will your other half (who should be able to look after his own kids without being left instructions and schedules).

don't make it worse for your kids to assuage your own feelings.

I think the daily calls, letters, daily gifts etc are a BAD idea. Kids of that age live very much in the moment and they will only have the occassional 'where's mummy' wobble if you don't keep reminding them that you are not there. I think it'll cause more upset overall.

Just go. Don't make a big deal out of the goodbyes. Explain to the older one that you will be somewhere else for a little while but will be back after a few sleeps, and in the meantime won't she have lots of fun with daddy!

Then enjoy your week off ;-)

Daddy just needs to distract them on the odd time they get into a 'want mummy' vibe. Give them an ice lolly. Take them to feed the ducks. Read them a story. Five minutes later and they'll be ok again.

It would be different if they were going to stay with grandparents or other people away from home, and both their parents were off, but 99% of normal, secure, happy kids won't have a problem with this. If one of yours turns out to be in the other 1%, well, daddy's going to have his hands full, but he'll cope.

Oh, and next time don't let your daughter find out in advance. The day before is soon enough. Kids this age can't really grasp time-scales so she knows you are going away but can't understand when or for how long. That is stressful for her.

Once you've done it this once it'll be a breeze next time.

(This reminds me of our first kid-free weekend away. Left our one-year old with my parents for one night. Left my poor mother about 3 A4 sheets of written instructions. Like she hadn't raised 4 of us very well already! Bless her, she didn't say a word!)

Use this experience as a disaster preparedness event.

Can't say I am an expert but I recently left my year old daughter with my husband while I traveled for 10 days to New Zealand for work. What worked for me:
--Get a cell phone that works in Italy (and an adapter for the charger). Even if you never use it, you will feel better having it and keeping it on so you know you can be reached if needed.
--As others have said, leave lots of very explicit directions for your husband. Do what you can in advance (I think my husband ate the one giant lasagna I made before I left at least half the nights I was gone). Go grocery shopping. Pack the diaper bag. Stock the baby supplies.
--Keep your kids on the same routine if possible (school, daycare, babysitter).

Honestly, the best part of my trip (keeping in mind it was for work) was staying in a hotel for 8 nights and not having to make a bed, make breakfast, get up too early, do laundry or pick anything up!!

My daughter and husband were fine. While I was away my husband emailed to tell me how much he appreciates all that I do for the house/baby. He had fun bonding with our daughter. I am not sure he gave her a bath until the day before I got home and I think she wore pajamas for a week straight but who cares!!

also, don't be insulted if when you get back your twins are not that interested in you because it is now all about daddy. I thought I'd get a great welcome home reception and my daughter just kind of looked at me, acknowledged me and went back to daddy. took a few days for her to warm up again!

Have a great trip and let us know how it goes.

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simojt: This thread is more than a year old.

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