Am I a bad mother for going on holiday without my children?

[Blocka]

I have a DD who is 4 and a DD who is 7 months, and I am going to LAS VEGAS for 4 nights. I have never left them for more than 1 night before (never left the younger one at all), but it is a holiday of a lifetime, my cousin is getting married and my whole family will be there. Oh, and my DH will be staying at home to look after the girls.

I am worried the youngest will forget who I am!

Am I being selfish for leaving them? Why do I fee so anxious about it?

[nikki1978]

No they will be fine. They are with their Dad and you aren't going for long. Your DD will not forget you. Call them every night and speak to both children on the phone so they hear your voice.

I have been away several times without my children. The last time being for 2 weeks when a friend got married in Australia. It was too important an occasion for me to miss and too far for them to travel (plus it was school time). They were 5 and 3 at the time but I did leave them for 4 days to go on honeymoon when DS was 15 months.

None of these trips has affected them. I always leave them with my mum who loves them almost as much as I do and they love her. Most of the time they can't wait to get rid of me!

Enjoy yourself! You are allowed a break sometimes you know

[Blocka]

thank you nikki1978, you have made me feel much better

[deloola]

Hell no - course you're not selfish.

Have a fantastic time - they're with their father so will be in their own environment.

Enjoy it!

[Portofino]

They will fine! Have a great time! Can I come?

[HLaurens]

They'll be fine - don't worry at all. I left DD1 and DD2, who were 2.5 and 5 mths at the time, with their dad while I went to Los Angeles for four nights. They were completely unaffected. It took DH longer to recover!

[sue52]

Be off with you. They'll be fine.

[elportodelgato]

wow I am so jealous! You HAVE to go, it will be amazing! Never mind worrying about the kids, I'd be much more worried that you'll go completely demob mental, not sleep for 4 days and spend all your money on the poker tables and fancy cocktails! Yeehaa!

[Pootles2010]

Noo of course not, it'll be good for them (and your dh too!). Have a fabulous time! When are you going? Where abouts you staying? (nosey and jealous of holiday).

I went to vegas couple of years ago, it has to be seen to be believed! Try and see cirque du soleil if you can, truly amazing!

[Blocka]

Wow, I am well and truly excited now!! Thanks Mumsnetters, you have really made me smile.

I'm going in August and staying in the Luxor. It will be 4 nights of stag and hen parties, and then the wedding. Most of the guests are in their 20s (I am in my 30s) so it will be an absolute blast.

Haha novicemama, that is the most likely scenario - me ending up so ill with the drink from the first night I spend the rest of the time in bed!

Thank you all!! xx

[GetOrfMoiLand]

Agree with others - no not at all selfish. If anyone says so kick them hard. Have a lovely time in America.

[maresedotes]

Go and have a wonderful time. I went to Vegas this year, left my DDs (8 and 2) with my DH and had a great time. Play the SATC machine -it's brilliant (although a little addictive!)

[Pootles2010]

Just don't do what i did - get so horrendously drunk on the tuesday night i was still throwing up on the thursday (on the flight home).

[mosschops30]

You will have a wonderful time, they wont even notice youre gone

Me and dh went to Lake Garda without the dcs and I have been away without dh and dcs .
Its good to have some 'you' time ...ENJOY

[Blocka]

WooHoo Las Vegas here I come!!!

[Northernlurker]

4 nights is not a holiday! It's a short break and they still have one parent with them. You are not a bad parent. Have a lovely time.

I do know of somebody though who left her under fives for a FORTNIGHT whilst she and dh swanned off to hot climes. Kids were left with relatives - who were asked by TEXT to care for them after the parents booking was made. Text said 'We're off to X for a fortnight - who wants the kids? Fist come, first served' !!

Now I freely admit to judging that...