Comments on: When the Fire Schedule Doesn’t Work

By: Renee

Renee — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:13:33 +0000

We’re going through a similar thing here, too. But I think BB has it rough because of FireDad’s schedule with being there 2 days, then not at all, etc. My Dad was a police officer and worked 4-midnight my whole life. So he always left for work before we got home from school and was sometimes sleeping when we got up to leave so there were days and days of not seeing him then he was around for 3 days straight. It kinda of gets confusing to a small one. What we do here is we have a big calander on the frig. Our older son “crosses the days” off every day and can see how Monday’s he goes to school and Daddy to work, etc and we kind of “check off” the days until we will be all together as a family again. Hope this help! Poor BB. {{{Hugs}}} for all of you!

By: Upstatemomof3

Upstatemomof3 — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 01:23:34 +0000

Oh poor BB. My son has been missing daddy just while he is at work all day lately. We have gone through I just want mommy time and then I just want daddy time and back again. Right now I think my little guy is just learning the realities of having daddy work outside the home. It has only been a year since we both worked at home. Upstatemomof3s last blog post..Review of Tuttobellisimo

By: Musings from Me

Musings from Me — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:13:38 +0000

I agree with Katie in Ma that "Dad and Son" time is a good idea. My kids loved going on errands with dad. My daughter loved when she got to go without her sister. For a while my husband was teaching high school full-time, coaching high school volleyball, and in graduate school -- very busy. On nights where he had a chance to go home between assignments it was actually better for the kids when he didn't stop by. My daughter at 3 or so had no concept of time -- to her a few minutes meant hours and vice versa. She would get upset when he had to leave. It was better for all of us when I would day "you'll see Daddy tomorrow." She understood that. Also, my husband would leave the kids a note each. Nothing elaborate just something that I could read to them. Often the note would be carried around like a treasured item. You and FireDad seem very high-tech. How about a camera hooked to FD's laptop and use skype? BB could see/talk to dad during the shift. O.K. full disclaimer from nontechie that I have no idea if this would work or not, but thought I would suggest it! Musings from Mes last blog post..My Son Is Trouble and mumble, mumble, The Washington Post Called!

By: Katie in MA

Katie in MA — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:27:41 +0000

Awwww! Break a reader's heart, why dontcha? I'm sure you and FireDad will be able to brainstorm a special activity for them to do to catch up on some needed Dad-and-LittleDude time. I'm sure it's little consolation right now, but you are doing a great job teaching BigBrother to verbalize his feelings! Katie in MAs last blog post..The If Question that feels like home.