IJ has spent the evening walking round with the weight of disappointment on her shoulders.
Life can be a burden when you’re seven, her body language is telling me, and sometimes your parent(s) can really let you down.
You see, we’ve had a little chat.
The two of us have curled up together on the sofa with my diary and I’ve explained to her the number of days I’ll be away from her over the next couple of weeks. We’ve circled the day I take the train to London for Cybermummy, then the day I fly off to Israel, the day I return to the UK and the day I’ll arrive back home, thrilled to bits to see her and possibly carrying presents.
For a little girl that’s a long time away from her mummy. She’s managed without me before and I know she will be absolutely fine. In fact, it will be an adventure for her. She’ll stay up too late and eat too much chocolate but she’ll enjoy spending time in the capable hands of her grandparents.
At the news we will be away from each other for ten whole days, IJ’s face fell.
It was one of those parenting moments that tugs at the heart strings and makes you want to scoop your child up and hold them forever.
Except it wasn’t.
IJ wasn’t disappointed about my planned absence at all. “I wanted to stay with granny and grandpa for a whole year,” she said.
Her disappointment was obvious.
And possibly mine too.
On the other hand, it does mean I could try and extent my trip and take in Morocco, Mexico and Canada before heading home via lunch in Paris and a spot of shopping.
There’s a thought.
LOL! Hey, I'm up for the extended trip....take me with you? :) Not sure mine would miss me either...though am in process of setting up Skype...
Posted by: Jane Alexander | June 18, 2011 at 09:08 PM
Great idea. Let's go off travelling for another 51 weeks!
Ooh, Skype you say. Actually, think the grandparents will struggle to set it up their end. Obviously, if they are reading this, I've said nothing of the sort.
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | June 18, 2011 at 09:11 PM
I'm in too. Where are we going? And I promise not to fall over.
Posted by: notSupermum | June 18, 2011 at 09:41 PM
I think we should join @Vwallop. Victoria knows about this travel lark.
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | June 18, 2011 at 09:47 PM
LOL-my kids would just miss the maid service *sigh*
Posted by: susie@newdaynewlesson | June 18, 2011 at 10:04 PM
Somehow I imagine 7 year-olds are good at tugging, and then twisting, the heartstrings! I can already see it taking shape with my little one when she leans in for a kiss and then goes to chomp on my nose!
Posted by: Tanya (Bump2Basics) | June 18, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Sounds very familar! I'll enjoy not waiting on her for a while. See you soon!
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | June 18, 2011 at 10:14 PM
You're absolutely right. Seven year olds are very good at the art of manipulation. Years of practise, as you will discover!!
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | June 18, 2011 at 10:19 PM
She's always straight to the point isn't she! Gorgeous!
Posted by: jfb57 | June 19, 2011 at 09:18 AM
This is what happens when I encourage her to say what she is really thinking!
Looking forward to meeting you next week Julia!
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | June 19, 2011 at 03:05 PM
weird isn't it? You plan for their disapointment when you head off somewhere wonderful, and they're completely blase. Then, when I head out for a night to the bookclub they have complete meltdowns as if I heading to the moon for a year! At least you cna enjoy your trip guilt-free.
Posted by: mummy mania | June 20, 2011 at 10:02 AM
How great that you've raised her to feel so confident and secure that she's happy for you to go - I think its a great parenting skill to achieve that (and am very happy mine are already counting down to their weekend away at the seaside this weekend!)
Posted by: Muddling Along | June 20, 2011 at 02:37 PM