First Night Away From Child

Having a child is a huge change in lifestyle. Until you had a child, you were free to do whatever you wanted with your free time. You were able to travel to different places without having to worry about whether or not you should pack baby wipes or not. You were able to sleep through the night or move to a different room to try to sleep. You were free to do what you wanted when you wanted for the most part.

After having a kid, this is no longer the reality. You are now often bound to the schedule and location of your child. You may be able to drop them at daycare for the day, and you can get a few hours off here and there with a babysitter, but you are often stuck close by. When they are still a baby, you are going to have to be close by almost all of the time as they will completely depend on you.

It’s interesting that most parents quickly get used to this new routine. You grow accustomed to always having your child close by, and they know and trust you. You love that little child even if they may make your life harder than it used to be. The thought of actually not being in the same home as your child may actually be scary simply because they’ve always been with you since they were born.

While it’s important that you worry about the safety of your child and you want the best for them, you can actually leave them for a night or two on their own without you close by. Of course, the time when you’re ready for this is different for every parent and child. You may choose to wait until your child is to at least their toddler stage, while another parent may be ready to get away before their child is even walking yet.

Whatever you choose to do is totally valid - it’s important that you’re comfortable with leaving your child. It’s also important that you’re comfortable with who you leave your child with. Make sure that you know who your child will be with well - often it’s another family member. Make sure they know how to contact you, but make sure that they have the tools to deal with your child without reaching you as well  - you don’t want a call over something minor.

Make sure that you leave enough information that whoever is watching your child can do whatever is important to you that your child does. For example, if you want them to go to bed at a specific time, make sure that’s documented out. While some people may like a minute by minute schedule, many will simply prefer a simpler list of important times and events that happen throughout the day.

If your child is in daycare or school and the person watching them is going to be picking them up from these locations, then make sure that they are approved to do so. While school generally isn’t a problem - most anyone can usually pick a child up - daycare is a different story. Make sure that you’ve cleared them with the pickup attendants and that their name and information is on the list or you’ll have a potential problem on your hands.

Enjoy your time while you’re away. Your kids will be there when you get home. You’ll be contacted if you’re needed, so don’t worry too much about them and instead enjoy the time to rejuvenate that you need.