Hello other poly mamas! I've only been doing this thing since 2018 so I'm still very new. I mostly feel fine about leaving my boys "Dash" and "Jack-Jack" for my weekly overnights with my boyfriend. I've even asked Dash (school-aged) how he feels about my absences, and he just sort of wiggled one hand in a "meh" gesture. He mostly doesn't care.

But! Jack-Jack (preschool-aged) always reacts when I come home the next day like I've been off at war. And sometimes, shit happens, like the time I needed to leave my BF's house so I could take Dash to the ER. (He was ultimately fine, but still.)

How do you mamas manage the feelings of guilt at being away from your kiddos? Do they fade over time; do the kids outgrow needing you so much; do you logic your way out of the feelings?