I have a very outgoing two-year-old daughter. I have tried to introduce her to many people (friends and family only, of course) so as to help with separation anxiety. So far she has done very well. Daycare is not a problem and since my divorce, staying with her dad once or twice a week is going great.

Here's my problem:

Her dad's family lives 2,000 miles away so her grandparents never get to see her. He booked a flight for them for THREE weeks. Is that bad for her to be gone from her mom for that long, even for a 'non-clingy' kid? I can't afford to fly up there so I need some suggestions on how to get through this separation. I know she won't remember it but I couldn't bear the thought of her wanting me and me not being there. I'm not worried about the first or second week, but I'm afraid she'll start wondering where I am and what's going on.

Please help!:blob_fire

Hello Frankiesmom,

Oh, I remember when my eldest first went away from home for an extended amount of time. He was only 3 years old. He went to visit Gramps and Grams 4 hours away. My husband dropped him off on his way to Michigan for work and he stayed with Gramps and Grams for 3 weeks! I went through the same worries and anxieties as you are going through right now. I know how you feel. Don't worry, just pack some of her favorites toys, blankets, you know what I mean and put a picture of yourself in her bag. Ask your exhusband to check in with you every other day or if you can call at his house. She'll be okay. When my son came back, he was glad to see me and hug me just as much as I was glad to see him and hug him. Also, don't forget to pack things like baby Tylenol, teething rings, Anbesol for her gums, measuring spoon for medicine, if needed. Also, pack a thermometer, socks even though it's summer, hats, sunscreen for babies and extra clothing such as pajamas.

Thanks for the advice! So good to know there are mothers who have gone through this. Of course, I think about all the military families who have to endure it every day and am thankful. And my ex MIL knows I'll be calling most every night, ha. I do plan to get a lot of things done, just to occupy my time and maybe have a night out with the girls. I haven't done that in years.

Stay in touch as I will probably need a shoulder every other day!

hello, I have a GD 4 and GS 1 who lives 7 hours from me. I was able to get my GD when she was about 8 or 9 months and she did fine. This summer I had them both for 3 weeks and they were great together. We sent lots of pics and they talked on the phone all the time. We were always doing something they liked so they did not have time to get home sick. It gave my daughter some free time. She will get so much attention from everyone that she will probably not get too homesick:blob_fire and you make sure you call all the time.