So my BIL and his were visiting us and are leaving tomorrow. DS (27 months) adores them and will be pretty upset when they leave. Should we have them sneak out without his knowledge, or say goodbye to him when they leave? They would leave our house close to his bedtime, so I worry about it causing a bad night. Also, my husband will be taking them to the airport, so I will be home alone with DS and the baby. But I don't want DS to think people just disappear, without saying goodbye
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Maybe you can have them pop in during bedtime so they can say goodnight?
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@SugarplumsMom: unfortunately, they are leaving for the airport maybe an hour before his bedtime. My sister did that when she visited two months ago.. She had an early morning flight and had to leave before he woke up, so she said goodbye to him when he was in the crib for bed and he cried so hard and started to panic. He did calm down eventually, but it will be harder for me to soothe him this time around because I will be taking care of the baby
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I think sneaking out doesn't really work at that age. LO would be so distressed, as she does better with a clean goodbye. We say "see you soon" or tell her when we'll next see them to help her understand it's not permanent. Even if the next visit is 6 months away, she understands there will be a next time even if she doesn't understand the time frame.
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Maybe talk about it all day so it's not a shock. They could promise to call when they get home to check in. I'm trying to think of something fun they could do over the phone like "what's the weather like where you are?" I'm just grasping at straws no real experience in this area.
My other idea is to use stuffed animals. They have one and your LO has one. He can play out his feelings with the toy. If that didn't make sense I can try to clarify. Good luck!
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I just have then say goodbye when we do. They may cry for a few minutes but toddlers are easily distracted
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Last time my inlaws left (a year ago), they left in the morning before my son was awake, so they said goodnight like normal. But he had also "helped" them pack, so he knew they were leaving...is that an option for your LO, to involve him in the process?
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I agree saying good bye would be best. Also explain that you'll see each other again and in the meantime, they can write him letters/facetime, etc.
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7 comments