How Do I Pepare My Little One for a Big Change... and Being Separated.

First off good luck in your new adventure! I would make it a point of setting up a specific time that you will be contacting him. The minute he leaves put a postcard in the mail. Also you could try taking pictures of what it is your doing, packing, getting everything organized. You might have him before he leaves help you pack some of his own things so that he's aware of all the work that has to be done and maybe just maybe he can understand that this process is going to take a while. Send those pictures periodically. This works great if you have a digital camera and internet access. This worked like a charm when my husband and I went on a very long very far away vacation and we left our sons

Hi A.,
Other than telling your son the facts of what is occuring there is not much else to do. I know this first-hand because I lived with my parents when my boys were younger and my parents would take them on vacation with them for several weeks at a time. Your son will be just fine. Remember what a wonderful job your parents did raising you. The temporary seperation will be much harder on you than it will be on your son. You are so very lucky to have your parents to help you. Good luck with the packing and moving. I don't envy you for that job at all!! Take care It will all turn out just fine.
J.

First off, good luck! I have some experience with this from the side of your parents. My husband traveled alot when our daughter was little. He would be gone for a month or longer sometimes. I had a picture of the two of them up and also one of just daddy. We talked about him being at work, so maybe your parents could reiterate that you are "working" "moving" "packing" (whatever ya'll decide to call it) and will be back soon. Also maybe a calender with the date you will be seperated and reunited circled in red marker. Your son could place a sticker or "X" on each day as it passes to give him an idea of your coming back getting closer. Call him often and don't get discouraged if he only says 2- words. My daughter would ask to call her daddy and then decide once she heard his voice that was enough. It will be harder on you than on him. When you are reunited let him know how much you missed him. My daughter always looked forward to seeing her daddy and it seemed like they had only been away from each other for hours the way the fell right back into their routine. Your son will be so happy to have you back that he will forget being upset (if he is at all) as soon as he sees you. Stay connected over the phone and be glad that you have such great help as your parents. The stability of them will help your son get through your absence. Good luck, ya'll will be fine.

I know that when I went on my cruise both of my sons stayed with my parents. I took it harder then they did. Call him anytime you want. Let him know that when you leave that you will always be just a call away. Also get your favorite picture of the 2 of you make a copy so you both have one and show him that your with him were ever he is. Also let him kiss your pic so he thinks your giving kisses to him every night. Let your sunshine know that you love him with all your heart. Trust me it is so much HARDER on you then him. Plus your parents will let him know that you didn't leave him. Good Luck.

You will definitely be the one who needs the coddling...he'll be fine. I have two girls, 3 and 1, and we leave them with my parents when both my husband and I have to travel for work (or when we move...coming up!). We have left them for 2 weeks before, and they didn't bat an eye. We kissed, told them we loved them, they waived good-bye, and that was it. We cried the whole way home, but when we called they were both playing happily and not missing us a bit. I think they did wonder where we were, but my parents would just tell them we were away at work and would be back soon, and that seemed to work fine for them.