I have two major questions but first some background. DS is almost 28 months. Up until 22 months we didn't live near family and with DH gone a lot for work DS and I were really together 24/7, no separations over an hour. Since 22 months we've moved near my parents and a sister. DS loves being with them and would easily spend a couple of hours with them pretty much every day without me. DH still works a LOT and rarely has full responsibility for him for more than a couple of hours. We just started having DH put him to sleep on Monday nights while I attend a belly dancing class and that has gone well. We are still BF whenever he likes which ranges from 3 - 6 times a day. He is night weaned (between bedtime and 5 am). Finally, he is a very active kid and I monitor his stimulation to help him keep his emotions balanced.
Ok. Now the upcoming separation. I will be gone for 7 days at the beginning of March 2011. DS will be 33 months old and he and DH are unable to accompany me. I know I am going to have a hard time but really want it to go as smoothly as possible for DH and DS.
First question. How frequently and how long of separations should I start creating to prepare DS for me being gone? Remember, up to this point the longest I've ever been gone is for about 4 hours and he's never slept through a night without me (we co-sleep).
Second question. DH decided to take that entire time as a vacation to spend with DS. Yippee! However, he thinks it would be a good idea to take a trip (would require flying or a LOOONG car trip) to see his sister with DS during that time. What do you think? My gut tells me that DH has never had 24/7 responsibility for DS and it is going to be difficult. Doing it without the support of grandparents near by, changing his schedule, and the overstimulation of travel could be a disaster for both of them. On the other hand, maybe I'm being too controlling and overprotective and the change would be easier for him than being at home without me.
Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.
Ok. Now the upcoming separation. I will be gone for 7 days at the beginning of March 2011. DS will be 33 months old and he and DH are unable to accompany me. I know I am going to have a hard time but really want it to go as smoothly as possible for DH and DS.
First question. How frequently and how long of separations should I start creating to prepare DS for me being gone? Remember, up to this point the longest I've ever been gone is for about 4 hours and he's never slept through a night without me (we co-sleep).
Second question. DH decided to take that entire time as a vacation to spend with DS. Yippee! However, he thinks it would be a good idea to take a trip (would require flying or a LOOONG car trip) to see his sister with DS during that time. What do you think? My gut tells me that DH has never had 24/7 responsibility for DS and it is going to be difficult. Doing it without the support of grandparents near by, changing his schedule, and the overstimulation of travel could be a disaster for both of them. On the other hand, maybe I'm being too controlling and overprotective and the change would be easier for him than being at home without me.
Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.
