It seems to me that every week on Monday we go through daddy withdrawals. The kids are grumpier than usual and anytime I say something that makes them upset the first words out of their mouth are, “I want Daddy”.
All I can think to myself is SO DO I. Stop griping at me, stop yelling at me and most of the time I lose my cool and yell right back at them. Then of course I suffer from the mommy guilt.
This last week, I went to Oregon on a blogging trip so Daddy took off from work. When I came home he was supposed to go back to work, but he ended up taking the rest of the week off and then Monday was a holiday.
So Tuesday finally rolls around and I’m stressed out not looking forward to an even bigger Daddy Withdrawal Day than usual. My anxiety was even more exaggerated with that fact that all weekend, I had no power. It was I want Daddy all weekend and since he was available it was easy for him to step in and make them behave.
My husband gave me some advice on Monday night, he told me to go into it with a good attitude and everything should be fine. I gave him the dirtiest look and thought to myself, easy for you to say!
I decided to have a great day, and well it actually worked. I don’t think it will always work but we had lots of cuddle time, and I wasn’t on my computer very much. We played outside and I had to work really hard to relax and play; playing is not my strong suit. So do you think that taking care of kids is a frame of mind? I prefer positive parenting over getting upset and using the naughty spot all day, but since it happens almost every Monday it feels like it’s out of my control. Any Thoughts?
That is so sweet
We go through daddy withdrawal too when my husband goes back to work after a weekend off.
I probably told you this before, but the layour of your site is one of my favorites, it’s terrific!
My husband is gone for weeks, sometimes months with his job. When my kids get to missing their daddy a lot, they take it out on me. I sometimes have to go off and have a moment to myself. I sometimes feel like things are out of control, but life goes on. Soon the kids find something to do, and I get a reprieve. I feel bad for you though. I think that kids just don’t know how to always vocalize how they are feeling.
We used to have similar problems when my DH worked an office job. My son just wanted Daddy all day and would ask when he was coming home. I sure felt like chopped liver! Now my DH is working on his family farm and so we have 3 meals together everyday. It helps. More work for me, but I don’t mind.
Yes, play is a frame of mind! Some days I just can’t get into it. Other days I am glad no adults are watching.
Sheesh I thought I was the only one. The day my hubby goes back to work for the week my girls are always extra grumpy and clingy.
Oh man! I totally know how you feel. And what is worse for me is that Daddy is upstairs working from home. It is all sorts of fun over here. I do think that it is a frame of mind though. I feel like I am setting myself up for a failure if I get up and set my mind that it is going to be a bad day when one little thing goes wrong. I also know how forced it feels to relax and play. If I want to relax, I clean. I’m pretty sure my toddler doesn’t think that it is too exciting.
Attitude, yours, that is, definitely makes a difference. It is hard when you miss him too and children’s acting up makes you want to cry along with them, but maybe you could plan a special activity or box of toys you only get out on miss daddy day. You could make Daddy cards, pictures, etc. or bake him cookies, something on a positive note. Once again, we as mommies have to kind of disregard our feelings, but it really does help us too when the little ones smile and have something to show Daddy when he comes home! Good luck!
I totally know the feeling Louise! Before when I didn’t have a job outside of the house, I dreaded Monday’s. Just knowing that I would have 3 children all by myself was enough to cause a panic attack. I do think that attitude can change everything. Keep the positive attitude and I think you’ll do just fine.
LOL, if only the kids knew that you were going through withdrawal too!!
When my kids act up and ask for my husband, I just tell them that’s he’s at work, and we will see him later. If they are missing him terribly, we draw a picture for him, or pretend to talk to him on their toy phone…it helps to tide them over.