My son's begrudging me for going out?

Question

I'm doing a friend a favour and working tonight at 7 pm. It happens very rarely like once every fortnight, but my son is being really off about it. He said that I shouldn't go and that he will be sad if I go. I'll be back around 10 pm, but he just won't let me go.

He's 7 years old. Dad's away at the moment, but his sisters are home and I've arranged for a babysitter who they know nad like to look after them.

How am I supposed to deal with this?

Answer 1

sorry to be harsh but you tell him that he doesnt make the decisions, you do and you have to work.

are you considering not going because he "wont let you"? whos the adult here, how is he going to not let you.

you have arranged a good sitter, he has his sisters he will be ok. reasure him its only for  a few hours and you will be back. all kids say i want you to stay but if you have to work, you have to work and they have to be taught to accept that.

Answer 2

Awww thats cute, its normal for kids to react like this when their parents are leaving for some where, your son probably knows that you won't be there to tuck him in to bed and give him a kiss, maybe you could get your daughters to start a new routine so when ever mum or dad aren't home for the evening they will all have turns at tucking each other in before bed.  

Also at seven I believe its healthy for your son to start gaining a little (tiny) bit of independence from mum and dad and this is part of his life-long lesson, to learn how to deal with mum not being there.

But for this round I would get him occupied playing a game or doing something he enjoys and then quietly slip out the door, then if you can, give him a phone call before he goes to bed to say good night.

Lastly, not to cause any suspiscion, but check with your son that he doesn't want you to go because he might not like the babysitter for some reason or another (I know you said they like the babysitter, but it would be good to double check.)

Answer 3

Be firm and reassuring - it's probable that he is just being a little bit clingy and once you are gone he will be right as rain!  I remember the times taking my boys to school, they would cry when I left and create a scene - but one day I hid around the corner and saw for myself that they were totally fine! It's just a bit of attention seeking really, so lots of cuddles but be FIRM and tell him you have to go to work.  He is working on your feelings of guilt - so try not to give in!  After all, you are earning money for the family too.  Best wishes.

Answer 4

mabye buy a sweet while ur out and give it 2 him when u get back 2 make him happy

Answer 5

"I'll be back around 10 pm, but he just won't let me go."

You are going to allow a 7 year old to tell you what you can and can't do????  

If you continue to overindulge him and bend to his every wish, in 6 or 7 years you will have a monster.

You are the parent; he is the child. You set the rules.

A FAMILY IS NOT A DEMOCRACY

Answer 6

give the baby sitter a number to call if he feels lonely so he can talk to you

or get the sitter to take him out to take his mind off it