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AIBU?

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Original poster

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

163 replies

HonestLimeHam · 16/07/2026 22:05

Husband wants to take (then) 5 year old son on trip for 10 days/2 weeks next summer.

i think it’s too long and too far. Think DS will find it too long. Husband adamant it will be fine, wants to do it for bonding etc. Told him to try shorter trip and go from there, 3/4 nights, see how they get on, jump straight to two weeks is extreme, he disagrees. I think two weeks from them then too long and I’ll miss them.

OP posts:
Rainbowstarssunlight · 16/07/2026 22:14

My four-year-old would be fine with doing this

arethereanyleftatall · 16/07/2026 22:14

What? I don’t get what is too much about a child going on a holiday with a parent? Why can’t all 4 of you go?

VIII · 16/07/2026 22:14

Well no one would bat an eye at a mother taking a 5 year old away for a two week holiday so unless you decided to have a child with someone you don't consider to be an effective equal parent then I don't understand why this would be a problem?

cestlavielife · 16/07/2026 22:14

He is your dh and child s dad. They will be fine

Funchythesnowwoman · 16/07/2026 22:14

@TonTonMacoute
Maybe he is a fully functioning hands on parent.

BringBackCatsEyes · 16/07/2026 22:13

My ex would take our sons away (10 years apart so just one of them) while I was working. All fine.

EssCarGo · 16/07/2026 22:12

I mean, he is his parent, so I don’t see any issue there.

I do think a two week holiday is exhausting for a kid and the parent though!

Allswellthatendswelll · 16/07/2026 22:11

I think this is weird as surely a holiday should be for all the family? Unless it's to solve a childcare issue or visiting family it seems weird.

Naurrr · 16/07/2026 22:11

@TonTonMacoute what makes the father a 'stupid twat'?

TonTonMacoute · 16/07/2026 22:10

It's almost tempting to let the stupid twat do it, and let him deal with all the problems.

Seriously though, it's far too much at that age. When DS is 10 or 11 is going to work much better in terms of bonding.I think your suggestion of starting with a few days is by far the most practical suggestion, maybe have a rethink depending on how it goes.

socks1107 · 16/07/2026 22:10

Yabu. Mine at that age’s were spending two weeks 300 miles away at my parents every summer then two weeks with their dad. Absolutely fine, never any issues and I have very well rounded adults now. It’s your anxiety and unless there’s a huge backstory it’ll be great for him

Original poster
HonestLimeHam · 16/07/2026 22:09

whatthesigma · 16/07/2026 22:06

A bit more context is needed I think. Where would they be going? Same country or abroad? What would they be doing? Why wouldn’t you be going?

Abroad, location TBC. He wants to take him somewhere with theme parks, swimming pool beach etc. He has brought this up as a bonding trip for them to do things together, I’d be at home with 2 year old.

OP posts:
whatthesigma · 16/07/2026 22:06

A bit more context is needed I think. Where would they be going? Same country or abroad? What would they be doing? Why wouldn’t you be going?