Its 18h00 pm on a Thursday evening and the house is exceptionally quiet. Usually around this time the girls shower together and they sing at the top of their voices, chatter and laughter from across their rooms, teasing each other or would have the odd quarrel about silly things.
None of that is happening tonight. And it didn’t happen last night too. This is what my house has been like for the past 2 days.
Lea, my eldest daughter is away on a 3-day school camp. This is her second year of going away on camp. She’s been super excited and counted down the days for this camp. We’ve received one message from her teacher that all is good and they have embarked on their adventure.
Whilst she is undoubtedly being a happy camper and having the time of her life; my youngest daughter, Mika, is experiencing a sense of loss.
It’s a case of having separation anxiety, restless nights and the fact that we had no contact with Lea whilst she is away at camp. Not seeing her has been a big adjustment but even more so, not hearing her voice also contributes to her missing her sister so much.
We experienced the same last year.
As the youngest sibling she has always known her eldest sister to be home. Even if Lea went out without her she had that assurance that she will return and be at home the evening.
As parents, we only allow them to sleep over at their grandparents. When this occurs both of them will go for the sleep over. So it’s not a case of one sleeping over and the other one are left behind at home.
They have been a part of each other’s lives since Mika was born. Although they sometimes have disagreements, they are like two peas in a pod. They best friends, companions and have this strong bond. So when the one is not there, the other feels lonely and lost.
For the past 2 days she has been the only child in the house. Our family dynamics changed slightly. The normal routine has been easier as there was only one child to see to. Suddenly all the attention has shifted to her. It afforded us the opportunity to spend quality time with her. But even with her getting sole attention; this doesn’t mean it is welcomed by her.
It is clear that she misses her sister. The attention that we as parents are giving her is not the same as what she receives from her sister. I’ve noticed that every conversation we had would end up revolving around her sister. Things that she would say is – “I wonder what Lea is doing now” or “how many hours still before she comes back”.
As a parent of two it is strange to only have one child in the house. It has been clear that the role my daughters play in each other’s lives is one of great importance.
Mika and her dad has just left for their father-daughter date night. As she left I heard her shouting – “one more sleep till Lea comes home from camp”.
I bet tomorrow, the noise in the house will be intensified with excitement as Lea returns. To tell you the truth, I kind of miss that noise and the craziness. So I can’t wait for things to return to normal and to be a two-child family again.
This post reminds me of when my husband goes out and my toddler asks when does he come back – a lot. It’s sad man
Author
Ha ha ha – shame Mel, separation anxiety is real for toddlers. Hopefully this phase will be soon be something of the past. But then again the bond that girls and their dads have is strong.
Tomorrow it will be just me with my youngest as the eldest is going to scouts camp, it shall completely change the dynamic and atmosphere at home X #stayclassymama
Author
Ooh good luck and hope the youngest is not too lonely.#Stayclassymama
How sweet your daughters are so close. It’s lovely she misses her sister so much and one day she’ll enjoy camp too. The fact they play together so well – does this mean two are easier than one?! #stayclassymama
Author
She was super excited to have her sister back on Friday. Two is definitely easier than one for us. They are companions and keep each other busy. She can’t wait to go on camp, however it’s still another 2 years before she can go.#StayclassyMama
The love that sisters’ share is very special. Hopefully you managed to spend some quality time with Mika and made some alone time memories with her. And when big sister comes back, they are going to appreciate each other again. #globalblogging
Author
It was lovely to spend some alone time with Mika but it was clear that she missed her big sis. Big sister came back on Friday and they were so happy to see each other. Saturday things were again back to normal with them bickering, driving each other crazy, laughing and playing nicely together (all in one). I suppose that is what sibling love is all about.#globalblogging
I can’t even imagine the time one of my kids are away for that long! I’m sure it’s not too far in the future. Nothing replaces a sibling’s attention I think you are quite right about that. Thank you for sharing with #StayClassyMama
Author
Thanks for reading my post. She was ecstatic when big sis returned last Friday however it didn’t last too long and then they were in each other’s hair again. I suppose that is what sibling love is all about.#StayClassyMama
This is so sweet! I bet it makes them appreciate each other so much more when they reunite! #fortheloveofblog
Author
They definitely do and I can see how strong the bond is between them.#fortheloveofBLOG
How lovely that they care about each other so much and are such a big part of each others’ lives! #BlogCrush
Author
It’s amazing to see their relationship grow as they develop. They play such a big part in each other’s lives it’s lovely to watch. Just hope that it will continue to be that way into adulthood.#Blogcrush
I used to love When my brothers would go away for a few nights, but as a navy family we were more accustomed to people coming and going for long periods of time. It could also be the difference in bonds between sister and brother. #GlobalBlogging
Author
It depends on the relationship as I find that my nephew and niece also have a strong sibling bond. But in most cases the bond is much strong if it is the same gender sibling.#Globalblogging
Ah I bet they loved seeing each other again! I can’t imagine how I will cope when mine go on their first trip away. Thanks for sharing with #fortheloveofBLOG
Author
There will be some separation anxiety experienced by the parents as well but I think it is harder for siblings.#fortheloveofBLOG
It’s lovely that your girls are so close #DreamTeam
Author
Thanks they do have a special bond.#Dreamteam
My two fight like cat & dog but they do miss each other terribly when one isn’t there. #globalblogging
Author
That is what a sibling relationship is all about. Bickering one minute and playing together the next is the norm.#globalblogging
Awww bless her! It’s always a bit strange when someone from the family unit isn’t there. We have just the one, and on the very few times she’s been staying over at nanny and grandad’s… you should see us! Completely lost without the noise and mischief of the littlest Button. Thanks for joining us for the #DreamTeam x
Author
I know exactly what you mean – that is my husband and I when both our girls are having sleepovers at their grandparents. The house is so quiet and feels so empty #Dreamteam
Such a great post!It’s true that missing children change the dynamics of a home. Right now we are in the one child season for good: two married brothers and one in college and how strange it is to make a single batch of muffins!
Author
Ah the empty nest syndrome – that must be so strange. Hoping that the one that is left will still stay a while.
Oh bless her. Its amazing how different the house feels when one of the little ones are away! Thanks for linking up #TwinklyTuesday
Author
It does change the dynamics when one is out of the equation #TwinklyTuesday