Sunday, February 20, 2011

While We're Away book

For many of us, there are all sorts of circumstances that cause us to be away from our children for some sort of extended period of time--business, conferences, deployments, romantic getaways, etc. This can certainly lead to some worry or "mommy guilt" on our part and for young children, it might be hard for them to understand what's going on. 
Almost two years ago, my husband and I took a trip to Australia. After a lot of thought, prayer, and family discussion, it was decided that it would be best for Big Brother (who had just recently turned two and was not yet a big brother) to stay here with Grammy & Grampy.  Before we left, I made a little book for him about it (he still sometimes likes ask to read it!). A friend of mine will soon be leaving her 2.5 year old for a long conference and asked me to post about the book so she could make one too.

To make it, I just used a small scrapbook (8x8) that I had laying around. I wanted something on the smaller side that he would be able to handle himself. The page protectors helped prevent tearing of the pages.
For the book, I kept it simple--photocopies of pictures and basic explanations. 5 double-page layouts with a title & end page:
Here's what I included (in this order): 
-where we were going (who we'd be with & who/what we'd see)
-some fun pictures of where we were going (in this case, lots of fun Australian animal pictures that I knew he'd like)
-who would be taking care of him & some of the fun things they'd be doing while we were gone (with as many pictures of him with them & the activities they'd be doing)
- that we'd talk to him on the computer (via skype) & feelings about missing each other
- how much we love him

It was a simple project--nothing fancy, but made with love & very meaningful. Grammy read him the book anytime he wanted while we were away. Though I'll never be sure of exactly how much Big Brother understood or if/how much it eased the separation, he did well and still likes to read the book sometimes even now. And, if nothing else, making it was good for this mommy! 

So, if you are going to be away from your precious littles for a time, consider making a special "While We're Away" Book!

*Linked to some of these great sites!

17 comments:

  1. How cute. I'm your newest follower. I'm throwing my first link party today (Monday) it would be great if you would stop by and share your project.
    http://diyhshp.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love this idea. I'm sure it makes it so much easier on your kids while you are gone.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a nice idea. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Super cute..stopping by from Tip Junkie!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you so much for joining the More The Merrier Monday Linky Party. Be sure to come back next week. I look forward to seeing more of your projects.

    http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is such a sweet idea! Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful idea! My kids are mostly grown now, but I'm sure there are a lot of people I can share this with. Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. hat a great idea! I've never been away from my kiddos for more than a night but when the day comes when we can get away by ourselves, this would be a great idea!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great project! visiting from Tot Tuesday.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh, how sweet!! And what a thoughtful mom you are. I usually just assume that my mom will ease any separation anxiety by stuffing them full of sugar. :s I like your way better! ;)

    Thank you so much for linking up with my Weekend Bloggy Reading party. :) Have fun finding a new blog friend or two, and I hope you'll visit Serenity Now again soon. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a sweet idea, I don't have any children yet, but I'll be sure to bookmark the idea for the future! Visiting from I heart Naptime.

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a great idea! If I ever get a chance to go away I'm definitely doing this! :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. this is such a great idea!

    megan
    craftycpa.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts with Thumbnails