I am new to the whole parenting thing so I need some input from you 'seasoned’ parents. I need to leave Carson next week for 3 hours. THREE HOURS. Doesn’t seem like a big deal, does it? Well, he seems to think otherwise. We are battling a huge case of separation anxiety where he won’t let anyone hold him besides Joel or me, even if he can see us.
Yes, it is flattering and all that he loves us so much. I love him too. But a mom needs a break every once in while. Is it too much to ask for the said break to be stress-free for mom? I think I will feel more sorry for the babysitter when I do indeed have to leave him.
Any ideas?
{btw: I still need a babysitter. Anyone up to the challenge? I didn’t think so! ;)}
7 comments:
I can TOTALLY take him. Trust me I'm used to hearing crying/screaming all day. Hum...does that make me sound like a bad option for a babysitter???
I would be! But, I don't live close. I just think you by leaving those three hours he will slowly understand and be able to be seperated. It will take time but just keep doing it. That is my only advice.
I've have a few clingy little ones. It is heart-breaking to her them wail as you hand them off, I know. Sometimes they kept crying the whole time, sometimes they stopped shortly after I left and then cried when I took them AWAY from the sitter! :) You never know. I think the best thing is to try to be confident about it yourself and to just kiss him, tell him you'll be back soon, and go---fast! You have to leave him sometimes. He will get used to it. Maybe it would be good to have him go somewhere where there are other children (who will want to play with him), toys, etc. to keep him interested while you are away. I think someone that he is already comfortable being around or that he at least recognizes as your friend would be a good choice.
Separation anxiety is such a hard part of being a first-time mom! I think I got just as anxious as Elijah just anticipating the hell he was about to give whichever unlucky soul was babysitting him. Really though, 99% of babies will calm down a few minutes after you're gone. Let's just hope Carson is one of those.
(You'll both be just fine.) :)
Malia is going thru separation anxiety too. I thought with all kinds of family around and people who help with her all the time she wouldn't have this problem...
Only mom will do.
All I remember is that once my son was old enough to understand the concept of "be right back." He actually enjoyed separation.
I agree...it's hard to separate from your kiddos, I still have a hard time with all 3 of mine and they aren't babies anymore!
I think the best advice is what you have been given - just go, enjoy your time and try not to worry!, and make it fast when you leave. My children all would quiet much faster than I always thought they would.
Good luck, it's always a bit hard those first few times....I think more on us than even the child!
Post a Comment