How do I help my husband and children adjust to life without mommy for awhile?

I'm leaving on a trip for 2-3 weeks, leaving my husband with our almost 3 year old and 18 month old. They'll be joining us later- we're having our 3rd baby and have to travel back to the U.S. While he works, our nanny will take care of the kids, but they're only used to her coming once a week, not everyday! The longest I've been away from my children is 4-5 hours. I'm worried it will be horrible for them all!How do I help my husband and children adjust to life without mommy for awhile?
The best thing you can do is prepare well beforehand - make a list of the children's routine for both hubby and nanny, fill the freezer with food (if you have the stamina cook double each night when you make dinner, then freeze half). Will the nanny be able to manage grocery shopping, or perhaps hubby can do it on the way home? Do you have any family or close friends that could pop in to visit to help out with the kids? It may be exciting for them to have visitors.





Perhaps you could do a wall chart of the days you're away so that the kids can cross them off or put stickers on. Another idea is to get little gifts, wrap them, and leave with hubby/ nanny to give to the kids - one a day. They don't have to be big, maybe a sheet of stickers or a treat or something.





Also make a list of things to pack for hubby/ nanny when they travel to see you - if your hubby's anything like mine he'll forget the most important things!





Most of all, try not to fret too much - you've got a new baby to worry about ;-) Kids are so adaptable, it may be a little strange for them but they'll be okay. If you can make it as exciting for them as possible - explain to them you're going away, but you'll call every day and that the nanny %26amp; dad will be looking after them %26amp; its going to be so much fun, etc. Maybe get the nanny to take them somewhere on an outing, if possible, even if it's play dates with friends, or the zoo or whatever. Help them look forward to it! I do know how difficult leaving them will be for you, as I've had to do it before too, but they will be fine.How do I help my husband and children adjust to life without mommy for awhile?
Chill, it will be fine, just make sure they know your thinking of them and make sure you give them a present when you next see them =].
They will definitely miss you, but they will be okay. The best thing you can do is to get him into the routine now before you leave. Men have a hard time with dinners, bath time, reminding the kids to brush their teeth, things like that so make a list for him of everything you do and put them in order of importance. No matter what they will survive. :)





If you haven't read it before, I suggest getting a copy of the book called ';The Kissing Hand'; for your kids. Read it to them every night before you leave and then over the phone while you are gone. It's a great book and it can really help them while you're away.