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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to go away for 4/5 nights without children?

45 replies

Holidayornot · 22/02/2015 16:45

I really want to go to New York and have been saving and planning it for next Winter when I turn 40.
It'd be hard work with two kids (2 and 4) and I don't want to bring them. My husband thinks it's not fair to go away for so long and leave them.
They'd be with both sets of grandparents, well looked after, no concerns there.
He just thinks that it would be an eternity for them. Longest we've ever left them is a night. If we don't go on our own we'll shelve it for another time.
So what do you think?

OP posts:
Leeds2 · 22/02/2015 16:48

I don't think I would've done it, but I wouldn't think you ABU to do so!

Mistigri · 22/02/2015 16:48

It is much easier to leave young children for a short time than older ones as they have little sense of time passing. I've been travelling for work since mine were under 2 and honestly, they hardly noticed I was gone when they were small. It was later that they started counting the days and extracting penitence in the form of gifts.

2fedup · 22/02/2015 16:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Poolbirthx2 · 22/02/2015 16:48

I think it is fine. They will be well looked after by grandparents and it is only for 4 nights

TerryTheGreenHorse · 22/02/2015 16:49

I would absolutely go.

MrsTerryPratchett · 22/02/2015 16:50

I think if DH doesn't want to and it could ruin the trip for him, it's worth putting it off. FWIW, I went to China for three weeks when DD was 3. I told her I was going to help the pandas and I Skyped, sent pictures of pandas and she was fine.

StillStayingClassySanDiego · 22/02/2015 16:50

I'd go, it's 4 nights , not 4 weeks.

DustyPinkBrogues · 22/02/2015 16:50

I think it would be fine.

cadidog · 22/02/2015 16:51

Do it! They'll have a lovely time and if you shelve it now you may not end up going for another 10 years.

Groovee · 22/02/2015 16:51

I left mine for 6 nights when I went to NY. They had their dad and other granny.

More recently they've not had me or seen or spoken to me while I have been in hospital.

Children are pretty robust and the time will pass quickly x

PrincessOfChina · 22/02/2015 16:51

I would. And have. We went to NYC for a week in the summer. DD (3) stayed with grandparents and had the time of her life.

ghostyslovesheep · 22/02/2015 16:52

GO! they will be fine

silasramsbottom · 22/02/2015 16:52

Absolutely go, they'll have a lovely holiday with their GPs.

MintyChops · 22/02/2015 16:53

Go and have a great time. My DH and I went to Chicago for 5 nights last summer leaving our 2 DS's (aged 5 and 18 months). The 5 year old really missed us, the 18 month old didn't even notice! We now have another DS, aged 4 months and I'd happily go again if I could find anyone crazy kind enough to take them....

PiggyBeekman · 22/02/2015 16:53

YANBU. Me and DH went to my cousins wedding in Vegas for a week when DD was 2. We would have had to pay full fare to take her on a 10 hour flight, to be jet-lagged in a notoriously child-unfriendly place. Not on your nelly!

They will be fine and you will have a great time.

ShellyF · 22/02/2015 16:54

Go and enjoySmile

MayLuke83 · 22/02/2015 16:54

It's for a special Birthday so absolutely go! They will have a fab time with GPs!

alsmutko · 22/02/2015 17:04

What?
My sis & I were regularly left at grrandparents/auntie & sometimes I was on my own with relatives (sis had a serious heart complaint as a child & was in hospital loads).
The only unreasonable thing is only going for a few days. All that way? Make it a week at least!

PurpleSwift · 22/02/2015 17:10

Absolutely go! They'll be fine with their GP and it'll be their own little holiday. I would if I had the money.

budgiegirl · 22/02/2015 17:20

Go! We've had a couple of holidays without the children, who stay with either their cousins or their grandparents. They get spoilt rotten and gave a better time than we do!

It would only be unfair if it meant that you couldn't afford a family holiday as well at sometime during the year (although camping would do!)

Purplepoodle · 22/02/2015 17:21

Would go without hesitation.

magimedi · 22/02/2015 17:25

Go & enjoy it.

When Dc were small my Mum would let us go away for a week or so every year. Am quite sure that has contributed to the happiness of our (nearly) 30 year marriage. Having some time for your partner is just as important as having the kids with you 24/7.

MadameJosephine · 22/02/2015 17:29

YANBU, I'd go in a heartbeat; it's only a few days, enjoy yourselves!.They'll have a fantastic time with their grandparents and will be excited for your return with pressies from your trip

ScrambledEggAndToast · 22/02/2015 17:30

Back on the days when I was married, my ex and I left DS for a week when he was only 6 months old to go to Greece Shock Looking back I can't believe I was willing to leave my baby for so long.

However, if you feel your children will be ok then go for it. You can skype them every night so they can see you, get them a nice present and what with all the fun they will have with the GPs, they'll probably wish you went away more often!!

championnibbler · 22/02/2015 17:31

GO!