Anxious about playdates

[mamamook]

I usually post over on FYT, but today I'm feeling so anxious, and I couldn't reach any of my friends by phone.

My 4 y.o. dd is off visiting at her friend's house today. This is her first playdate at someone else's house without me there, and I am climbing the walls. I feel so anxious I just don't know what to do with myself.

She is just next door, and it is really hard to resist the urge to walk over and keep checking on her. I've been out in the yard several times to listen to her playing.

I feel neurotic and crazy. Is this a normal reaction to her first playdate on her own?

[Lingmom]

I think mothers are inherently a little neurotic and it's totally normal. I mean... mothers of a lot of other animal species are overly-protective and don't like their kids away from them for too long and we're no different.

Even when I try to be laid back, a first day at school, a first sleep-over, a first camp experience make me crazy-nervous too. I'm sure she's doing great and having fun and next time will be easier for you.

[mamamook]

Thank you for the reassurance. It was really helpful.

She is back, and she had a great time.

[LookMommy!]

Want to feel better? Here's my situation: 14 year old (8th grade) dd is off with several BOYS in her class (her best friend was going to go too but she backed out, so she is the only girl afaik) OVERNIGHT at one boy's house in Netanya - a beach city over an hour away!!! Mom, dad, and sister will be there, dd is responsible, and the kids are all friends (small school) but I am trying not to call her to check up on her. (Did I mention that this boy snuck in beer to a recent seminar weekend??? He was punished by the school, and my dd was not drinking - she was helping the kids who were puking).

OK, my dd is a really good girl, but she is my first! And they all went on the train together, so I couldn't even drop her off.

I didn't want to "check up on her" so I asked dd7 to call and say that she missed her and wanted to know when she was coming home. DD14 seemed happy and busy, so I am going to have to just breathe.

So, OP - it does get better, but it gets worse too!

[mamamook]

Oh, my, that sounds hard.

Guess I need to take up yoga again.