The Goodbye Doesn’t Break the Bond: Parenting Through Separation, Work, and Loss

What if being apart from your child doesn’t mean you’re any less connected? In this episode, I sit down with actress, author, content creator, and co-host of The Mother Daze podcast, Sarah Wright Olsen, to explore one of the hardest parts of parenting: separation. Sarah is the author of the beautiful picture book When I Am Not With You, inspired by a simple question she and her children have shared for years: “When I am not with you, where am I?” The answer? “In my heart. In my head.” Together, we explore what attachment really looks like when we aren't physically together and why being a securely attached parent doesn't mean being constantly available. For post-traumatic parents, separation can bring up enormous amounts of fear and guilt. If you grew up with experiences of abandonment, inconsistency, or loss, saying goodbye to your own child can feel much bigger than the moment itself. This episode is a must-listen if you've ever thought: “Am I hurting my child by being away from them?” “How can I stay connected to my child when I can't always be there?” “What if my own childhood makes separation harder for me?” Topics covered in this episode: Why attachment doesn't require constant physical presence The importance of mental presence and helping children carry us with them Creating goodbye rituals that help children feel secure Why separation can actually be part of healthy attachment Parenting through daycare, work, school, and other separations The guilt many working parents experience Why we don't need to “awfulize” separation or daycare About the Guest: Sarah Wright Olsen is an actress, author, content creator, entrepreneur, mom, and co-host of The Mother Daze podcast. She is the author of When I Am Not With You, a picture book inspired by her family's own experiences with separation, connection, and the many goodbyes that happened throughout childhood. Sarah's work is deeply informed by her own experiences as a mother, including postpartum anxiety, working motherhood, and her desire to build community and share the things she has learned along the way. Connect with Sarah: Instagram: @swrightolsen Book: When I Am Not With You Podcast: The Mother Daze with Sarah Wright Olsen and Teresa Palmer Connect with me: Want to learn more? You can find me on Instagram @dr.koslowitzpsychology and check out my new book Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be