AIBU to think a two-week trip abroad with dad is too much for a five-year-old?

Why don't you and the 2 year old go? Assuming it's a financial issue, could you not all go for a week.
I know people used to go away for two weeks, but a 2 week holiday is often quite long.

Why does it have to be anxiety meaning someone doesn’t want their child to have a whole load of new experiences without them there to see it? I honestly think on mn people just look to argue whereas in real life if this came up there’d be an argument because at that age both parents should be a part of life experiences and things like holidays should be family experiences

The misandry in this thread is ridiculous. And now he’s having an affair? The mind boggles.

We took our DCs overseas from being babies. Admittedly we were both there, maybe that's what you need to do instead and all go...

I have three now young adult boys. Eldest would probably have been ok with this. Middle one would have really struggled and missed me a lot. I think youngest would also have found it too long but would’ve been ok with a week.
You know your child but I think a few days at that age would be enough for most children.

I think two weeks would be too long for my 5 YO to be away from both me or DH. I feel like normally this would be a weekend or 1 week thing.

Why on earth would a 5 year be napping?? And why would people be a slave to " bedtime routines" on holiday?

My parents used to do this. One would take me and my sister to a holiday place for first two weeks. Then other would join us for second day two weeks and the first parent would go home to work. Meant me and sis got a 4 weeks of holiday which we loved!

I assume you would feel the same about him missing his dad if you was to take him away somewhere tgen

How does that tally with the hang out together and look they get on so well thesis?

And the kid is going to say if he was just stuck in holiday club for two weeks.

Two words- Holiday clubs

Your affair theory is a bit of a stretch. Most five year olds can’t hold their own water, so I’m sure OP would soon be hearing about “Daddy’s friend”.

What?? Why can’t you and the 2 year old go on this trip too and they can take days out together to bond? I can’t lie, this sounds very bizarre. Family’s normally go on those sorts of foreign holidays together? I’d be really p-off if they were going on a jolly for 10 days and leaving me with a 2 year old. Especially if I was then expect to use my leave to cover boring stuff later in the year. 10 days is a big chunk out of that holiday leave.

I also think husband has unrealistic expectations of what a 5 year old can handle. Most theme parks with a couple of exceptions, are not aimed at children as young as 5. He’ll also spend a lot of time in his room with a napping child, and will have to hang out in the bedroom from 8pm to have any chance of maintaining a normal bedtime routine. If you were there at least he’d have company?

That leads me to my next question. Any chance he’s having an affair and will be meeting up with someone with kids while there- and oh look they get on so well and hang out together all holiday? It’s so weird and unreasonable I’ve got to wonder what’s going on there.

Is this really a chance for your DP to relive a lost youth / childhood. An excuse for theme parks and games? Will you have an equivalent holiday budget OP?

I agree OP that's just too long.
A short break will be perfect but 2 weeks can be really hard for anyone!
Why risk it?

3/4 days will be perfect.

X

How unfair (on the kids and on you) that he only wants to bond with the 5 year old! What about his younger one? It would be much more appropriate to have a big holiday together as a family of 4, and of course if DH wants some special time with his elder DC then ok but it should be for a weekend, or long weekend (or even a week if he insists) - not 2 weeks.

I think it is ok OP. I guess you plan similar?

I was taken aback by the choice of username too. Thanks for sharing the info for the benefit of any posters who were unaware of the Tonton Macoute.

My husband has been taking our children abroad without me since they were 3 and they have an amazing time!!

I obviously miss them……but it’s also glorious having 2-3 weeks of child free time.

Just let them go OP - it will be fine!

I imagine parents who are separated take their child on holidays on their own and it’s not considered to be a drama?

OP won't be child free, they have a 2 yr old too

Going against the grain here, but I do think that two weeks away from a parent is a bit much at the age of 5! I can't imagine not seeing my children for two weeks (eldest only 6, others younger). I think a few days/a week would be lovely.

I am planning to take my eldest away for 4-5 days for his 7th birthday, just me and him. Any longer and I know he would really miss his Dad and siblings (as would I!).

I'm not saying that it would do any damage, but why is it necessary? (Also, I would hate being left at home with a 2yo while my husband got to spend 2 weeks with a 5 year old!!!)

swimming pool

That alone would make me nervous...

But you know him and how responsible he is with his child.

I think one on one time with each child is important and we’ve done weekends with each child separately but 2 weeks would be way too long for me. My kids actually wouldn’t want to, they’d be asking for each other. A 2 week holiday should be a family holiday. Your 2 year old would equally enjoy much of what your DH plans to do with your DS

The tone of some of these responses is ridiculous. “Stupid twat”…. really?

I agree that he’s being a little unrealistic, particularly if it’s just the two of them. You just need to ensure that your judgment isn’t clouded by the fact that you’ll understandably miss him. That said, I do think a shorter break might be better.

A lot depends on context, and I’ve assumed he’s a competent good dad and no concerns about him being cared for, etc.