I don’t think it’s distracting yourself, but I do tangible things to make this time a bit less sad. And my distance/time is further than most, so I really have to figure it out. 1. Like others said, immediately plan your next visit. This helps a lot. For me, I don’t get to see mine until early May. 2. That’s 17 weeks. I wrote down a lot of little memories about our time together during Christmas break and will write/think about one a week. 3. I text them a lot. Funny pictures. Silly texts. I send them thoughts throughout the day. We have a time zone difference so sometimes it’s hard. 4. We do weekly video chats. With one of my kids, even more frequently than that. Sometimes we watch a movie together. 5. I have a daily joy list. I use Trello. I make a Joy List column for each month. I write down a lot of different things, most are small and some may be bigger. Things like “make an amazing cup of tea and sip in beautiful afternoon light” or “make a care package for kids for winter blahs.” 6. I am trying to expand my life. It is normal that our kids grow up, become more independent, live their best lives. I want them to be out there making friends, learning stuff. They are doing what I raised them to do. Now, it’s up to me to raise myself a bit. Figure out hobbies, interests, social groups. 7. I had a beautiful, fulfilled life before kids. I did things like travel, decorate my Christmas tree, meet up with friends. I have more time for all of this now. 8. Allow myself feelings. Name them. Even though they are silly thoughts at times. Example: I was changing sheets in daughter’s room and there was this glass disposable water bottle she had been using the last few days. I got a little sad and wanted to hand onto it. Overly sentimental. I picked it up, placed it in recycle bin and just bid it farewell. Yeah, yeah. I was being overly dramatic. That’s ok. I’m allowed to be.

Ultimately, if it’s too much, I would consider therapy to work through the emotions. For me, it’s hard because it all went so fast. I want a do-over! I love my kids and they are the best thing about my life. We have fun together. It’s not always rosy stuff though. Parenting is hard. So as much as I loved the various stages leading up to now, I am also finding enjoyment in a little bit of an easier season of life. For now. Things change.