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Original poster

Grandparent asking to take DD9 abroad?

59 replies

anon2334 · 07/03/2022 13:36

My mum has asked to take my daughter abroad for two weeks in the summer? I would miss her and I’m slightly nervous but it’s her home country and I know my daughter would love it but it’s two whole weeks and I worry a lot. My daughter has said please please can I go. Pro is she would have a great time, I hope and a good experience but the con is I’m worried too, I remember going as a child and the heat is a bit intense and I felt sick a few times but I did have fun too. What would you do?

OP posts:
gogohm · 07/03/2022 15:02

I would just send plenty of sunscreen and a large hat, at 9 she can look after herself mostly (Aldi and Lidl have reasonably priced sunscreen in summer)

KylieCharlene · 07/03/2022 15:07

How does your dd know of this holiday?- I hope her Grandmother discussed it with you before asking her!
Well, I'm sorry but it would be a 'no' from me. Too far away if God forbid she's poorly or something and you can't get to her.
Sorry for looking on this negatively.
If my DD went I'd spend the whole two weeks an anxious mess.
She can go in a couple of years with you all as a family.

Sally872 · 07/03/2022 15:24

Unless it is likely dd would not enjoy it or grandma would not look after her well then I would let her. Sounds like a great opportunity and they have a close relationship. Of course I would miss her but also be proud she is secure and confident enough to go.

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grapewines · 07/03/2022 15:30

Let her go. All the reasons not to are about you.

LollyLol · 07/03/2022 15:46

Yes! What an amazing experience if she is close to her gp. I’d definitely let me dd go. I’d miss her enormously but if the worst happens and she has an awful time she could come home early.

ZZTopGuitarSolo · 07/03/2022 16:40

You mentioned the heat. If it's any reassurance I lived in Malta at 9, and yes it was hot, but I loved it. We swam every day, all day.

TheNoodlesIncident · 07/03/2022 19:23

Seeing Italy with her nonna? Hell yes.

Of course you'll miss her but it'll be such a lovely experience for her, it would be so sad for her to miss out (when to be frank, we don't know the future and time can be limited before we know it is). Her grandmother will look after her.

Kitkat151 · 07/03/2022 19:41

If she’s going for 10 days she might as well go for 14.....give your mum chance to catch up with family to....she will be fine...so will you

BOOTS52 · 07/03/2022 19:56

If your mum is well capable and you trust her with your daughter then it would be lovely for your daughter and great memories and I am sure if you talk to your mum and about making sure she is not out in the sun too much in extreme heat and suncream on etc and that she is the one who always looks after her there and not left with other relatives as I would be too anxious and would need to know it would only be my mum minding her. You know the situation best and 2 weeks will fly by so fast and will be so exciting for your daughter and your parents very kind to ask to take her so she must be easy to look after.

Kpo58 · 07/03/2022 19:58

Definitely let her go. Think of it as 2 weeks less childcare that you will have to find during the summer.

MrsSkylerWhite · 07/03/2022 20:02

Personally, that would be too young for me, I’d rather 11/12. That’s me, though.

Does your daughter want to go?
If she does, assuming your mum is fit and capable, maybe agree to a week?

FairWindClearSailing · 07/03/2022 20:11

I went on holiday with my two grans when I was 8. It was an amazing holiday and I loved every minute. It was only a week though.

Watapalava · 07/03/2022 20:23

i think your mum is a bit mean offering to only one. By sounds of it she should have invited you for a break! By mentioning it to dd first, its putting the guilt on you. Two weeks is to long. I think it should be all of you or none as unfair on siblings.

GreMay1 · 07/03/2022 20:25

@Innocenta

100% let her go! She'll have a wonderful time, and children have had so many restrictions during the pandemic. It will probably be a near magical experience for her, something she will remember all her life.
This.
StopStartStop · 07/03/2022 20:27

No. Go only when they are old enough to get themselves home in an emergency.

saraclara · 07/03/2022 20:48

I'd have loved that when I was nine. I spent a lot of time with my DGM and stayed over regularly.

As a mum? Yes, I'd have missed my DD dreadfully had she gone away for two weeks with my lovely MIL. So I do get how you're feeling. But of course technology makes it much easier to keep in touch, and as the NT sister of two younger ND siblings, I suspect that two weeks of not having to make the sort of compromises that are probably necessary a lot of the time, would be a positive for your DD.

Yika · 07/03/2022 21:00

Totally fine. 2 weeks does not seem long to me and at 9 she will be well able to spend time away from you with another very close family member.

Norgie · 07/03/2022 21:08

Let her go. I take my grandkids abroad regularly from being babies to visit my family, sometimes for the entire duration of the summer school holidays.
They have a great time and it means they've built up a relationship with all the family too.

justjuggling · 07/03/2022 23:13

My parents have taken my DC away for two weeks every year since they were about 4 & 7. I’m a single parent, with no support from exDH, and can honestly say those two weeks a year have saved my sanity! My DC looked forward to the holidays and went to some wonderful places I could never have afforded to take them. They’re 13 & 17 now and looking forward to going on holiday with their grandparents this august having missed the last 2 years due to Covid. Let your DD go - am sure she and her grandma will have a fab time.

Frazzled2207 · 07/03/2022 23:17

Two weeks is a long time but if you trust your dm and the dd is keen (and not at risk of getting homesick) then I would wave her off and hope she has a great time.

TonTonMacoute · 07/03/2022 23:28

I would let her go.

I went on holiday with my beloved DGM from the age of 2 - although that was to Cornwall, not southern Italy. I went several times a year until she died when I was 22, and it was a most wonderful and special part of my childhood and youth.

whysoserious123 · 07/03/2022 23:37

Up to you, but put your feelings to one side and make your decision on what would be the best for your child

dipdye · 07/03/2022 23:54

Let he go, she'll have a blast

Readyforspring · 07/03/2022 23:58

Let her go. She'll love it.

Original poster
anon2334 · 12/03/2022 14:12

She is going. Difficult decision but I think when she looks back at that time with her nan in later years will be very thankful. Time is not stopping for no one and this is the best time for them to go.

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