First Night Away

There are many "firsts" in a child's life--first steps, first words, first tooth, and so on. One such first is the first night away from Mommy and Daddy. Only, I think the achievement and status that comes with accomplishing a "first" belongs to the parents, not the kid. When you leave your child for the first time, you agonize for weeks about how to prepare him for your night away, you make lists for the caregiver, you battle the guilt welling up inside because you know that he will just be traumatized and not be able to survive one night without you! Then, when the big day comes, you hug him and kiss him and he pushes you away or ignores you completely! You should be glad that he didn't freak out--that would have made leaving very difficult, but you have to admit--you feel a little disappointed that he didn't even cry. While away, you call several times (too many) and he is fine. Yes, he ate his food; yes, he behaved himself, yes, he went to sleep okay; no, he didn't have a nervous breakdown in your absence! You've done it, Mom, you've earned the "First Night Away" badge! Doesn't it feel good? Almost as good as when you come home and your child yells "Mommy" or "Mama" and falls into your arms...and you think, hey, I oughta go away more often!