Dear Dr. Meg:
My husband and I have a 13-month-old child, and we have been trying to make sure that we keep our relationship strong. We try to plan little get-aways at least every few months. I feel so bad leaving my son with family overnight, even though they enjoy having him.
We will be leaving him with his grandparents for two nights this time, and I feel so guilty for leaving him. We both work full time and he goes to day care during the week, and I guess I just feel guilty for leaving him.
So my question is, how long is too long to be gone, leaving him with family?
Thanks,
Feeling Guilty Mom
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Dear Feeling Guilty Mom:
Most parents worry and feel guilty when they leave their children. These are appropriate and healthy responses, but there are times when we need to keep them in check. Whenever a parent leaves a child, he or she needs to think through a few things:
- Is my child well cared for and will he/she benefit from being with the caregiver?
- What will my child gain from my being away for certain periods of time?
If children are left with…
