How long is too long?

[Ali1972]

My husband is going to Australia for three weeks in January and wants to take one of the two DSs with him (he doesn't mind which). My life would certainly be easier if I only had one child to look after (the thought of getting them both ready for nursery in the mornings on the three days I work and then spending 4 full days with them and no help is terrifying). However I am worried there might be long term effects like strengthening of bonds with the parent and child that stay together and weakening of those between the the parent and child who are apart. Aside from that of course is that both boys will miss each other a lot. Bottom line is I don't want to be away from one for such a long period of time. Am I being unreasonable?

[malfoy]

How old are they?

[DuelingFanjo]

it could be a great bonding experience for whichever son he takes and your DH too. Plus your son would miss you and come home so excited to see you.

the worry I would have would be that one child feels unfairly left out. However if they are both young it might not be such an issue?

[twolittlekings]

When my friend was about 6 her dad (a sea captain) took her to Japan for about 3 weeks and she loved it. I remember missing her massively but she had lots to talk about when she came home - and even at that young age it had a profound effect on her

[Ali1972]

Sorry, forgot to say their ages 3 and 20 months. If he was to take one we are thinking of the youngest since my husband's family has not met him. The 3 year old is more of a mummy's boy and the youngest is more of a daddy's boy. Hence my issue regarding bonding. Thanks for all your advice. Greatly appreciated!