My Duaghter who is 10 had her best friend move away this summer. We planned a trip for next week to go vist them from mass to north carolina. It was always a maybe we'll go type of trip. Anyway, everything fell into place, wife got time off of work, kids had a couple of days off from school, friends we are visiting took time off etc...
My daughter has been talking about this trip for the last two weeks, telling everyone that she is going to see her best friend.
I just found out yesterday that I'm unable to get the time off from work so we are going to have to cancel our plans and reschedule for after christmas.
She's a really good kid but can be dramatic at times and doesn't handle disappointment very well. She's going to be crushed but I have to tell her asap but am unsure how to approach it. If I start to explain it to her she'll go off immediately and will never listen to the explanation of why we can't go. I thought about writing a note and have her read entirely before reacting.
This is the first time that I've had to do anything like this and could use some advice.
First, make SURE that you can reschedule it for after Christmas. Confirm dates so it's not another "wait and see" situation. (My dad did that to me when I was growing up - Said we MIGHT be able to do something, and then always got out of going through with it) So by having a confirmed date, she will know it will happen.
Sit her down and just tell her the truth, and then tell her that your not cancelling the trip, it's just being postponed. She'll be upset, but knowing that she WILL get to see her friend after Christmas will give her something to look forward to. Be careful though, make sure you will follow up with your promise to her.
