How do you explain to a 3 year old that her daddy IS coming back?

Question

My husband had to fly out of state to be with his dad who is having some health problems. We have two daughters- 15 months and 3 years. The fifteen month old isn't paying much attention, but the three year old is having a hard time with daddy not being here. This is the first night she's ever had to go to bed without seeing him. How do I explain to her that he is coming back and that he loves her and didn't want to leave her behind? He's on the airplane right now, so I can't let her call him.

Answer 1

beleave it or not kids see right through the lines explain to her that her grandpa is not feeling very well and daddy has to go and help him. tell her the hole trueth but in simple terms. let her wear one of daddy's shirt to bed and maybe give her a little more attention for bed time then you would normaly like read her in extra book or something along those lines. and all you can do is just reassure her! If she ask Questions just answer them as truthfuly as you can and tell her she can talk to daddy in the moarning when she get's up. that is if he will be off the plan by then. good luck. and i hope everthing well go well tonight!

Answer 2

Have her dad call when he lands and have him tell her about the flight and what happen even if its late or past her bed time. The voice is a powerful connection. Put a picture next to the phone so she has a visual as she talks with her father. I would make sure that he should call each day at a certain time during his trip also. She will relate this to a special treat and connection to him. When I traveled I always called home in the mornings and right before bedtime.

Answer 3

Get a nice picture of him for her to keep by her bed or under her pillow. Tell her that he loves her, be truthful to her that he is with grampa.

Answer 4

just keep reassuring her that her daddy loves her and misses her and will b home soon