suggestions needed...

[houseelf]

As you know, I'm getting ready to leave the little guy with the in-laws for 5 days when my dh and I go on vacation. When we first talked about it, it sounded like a wonderful plan. Cade could bond with his grandparents in his own home and we would feel comfortable having family watch him. This plan offers the collateral benefit of my having to spend less time with my MIL during her visit.



But now we're just 8 days away and I'm starting to reconsider. He is going through this regression right now where he is super clingy and wakes up with nightmares. I read somewhere that around the age of two they start to do this. I shouldn't be suprised because I was the exact same way. I remember having horrible nightmares, so much so that my parents actually took me to a child psychologist to confirm that this was nothing more than an over active imagination.



I'm getting all nervous about leaving him. I've compulsively written out 6 pages of instructions for my in laws, but still... What if he cries uncontrollably for me? What if he doesn't?

HELP!



Kelly


Edited by: kmbsjbcgb at: 4/12/02 9:47:50 am

[mommax3]

Kelly,



First of all, remind yourself of why YOU need to go. If it is good for your marriage, it is good for your son.



I am sure he will be fine. Sometimes my kids surprise me by being less freaked about things if I am not with them than they would be if I am there, if that makes any sense. They also do better relating to their grandparents when my husband and I aren't there -- no divided loyalties for them, I guess.



When we went to Mexico, I cried when my mother-in-law dropped us off at the airport and teared up several times on the trip. We called home almost every day and I cried the first couple of times I talked to the kids. But they were fine and it was the best thing my husband and I could have done for ourselves.



I think it is great that your in-laws can come to your house. That will make it much easier on your son. If he has nightmares, your in-laws will deal with them -- they are experienced parents, right? I know they won't do things exactly like you do, but if your son can feel comfortable staying with them despite the differences, that will be a huge benefit to you in years to come! My in-laws have taken our boys to their house for a week the past two summers without us! They have a blast and so do we.



You remind me of myself, writing out all of the instructions. I wrote out a detailed weekly schedule for my mother-in-law when we went. NOW I can laugh at myself, but then I was paranoid.



You guys really need this, so take a deep breath and don't panic about your son. He will be fine, and if there are problems, your in-laws will deal with them.



Sally

Kelly,



He's going to have a great time...chuck the "instructions" out the window....prepare only a bare bones basic "this is our pediatrician" thing and don't forget to leave a medical release.



If you don't throw it out, she will



You and Sean DESERVE this trip and Cade is going to be fine while you are gone. When Thomas and I were interviewing, Alex was a little older than Cade, but I was a nervous wreck. He ended up having a great time with my mom...but be warned....he IGNORED me for a whole day once I got back.



Just relax and have a great time!



Kris
Time is a Dressmaker, Specializing in Alterations!