Dealing with attachment issues

I travel often. I thought the kids were used to me flying but things have changed especially for Little Lady. She’s become so attached to me. She’s 6 years old and this year more than ever I am dealing with attachment issues.

When I first started traveling, it was hard. I have been a stay at home mom since Little Lady was born. I started to travel often without them when they turned 3 and 4 years old. I knew how to deal with the crying when they dropped me off at the airport and even when I got sad and teary eyed too I knew I was being a working mom providing for my family. No guilt trips! Just fear of missing out. 

This weekend as I prepared for my trip and to make things easier for hubs while I’m away, Little Lady clings to my arm and says 

Don’t go mama. Please stay. I’m going to miss you. 

Oh my heart. You see, Little Lady is not one to be sad, quiet, or down. She’s pretty vocal about how she feels. Lately, we’ve been spending a lot of time together. We’ve been crafting, baking, reading a new book for our favorite series and even running errands together. As she gets older she’s learning to tell me secrets, talk girls things, and really enjoy our mama and daughter time. 

I asked her a series of questions.

Why are you sad i’m leaving? Why are you going to miss me? Do you not want to stay with Daddy and Little Man? I’ll be back. Do you think I won’t come back?

Her answers.

I don’t know. I’m just going to miss you. Yes I want to be with Daddy and Little Man. But I want alone time with you like always.  

I reassured her that soon I’d be back I did a few things that made her excited for my return instead of focusing on me being away. 

I said to her I’ll be back in 4 days. That means Saturday I’ll be home!

Daddy will be vlogging while I’m gone, Make sure he gives you the camera so I can see how your days went and you can show me what you’re up to. 

And last but not least, We will face time. I’ll make sure daddy calls me and you can talk to me before you head to bed. 

As my kids grow, I realize how important it is for me to reassure them and be present. They understand how lucky they are that I get to work from home but still leaving on trips can be hard for them sometimes. 

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