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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To go on this trip without DD?

166 replies

Glitterspy · 02/03/2016 11:03

Our family unit is me, DH, DD (just turned 3) and DS (12 weeks).

Here's our dilemma. My husband works in a consultancy/sales role for a big US tech firm. Having had a good year, he's being 'rewarded' with an all-expenses 5-day trip to a holiday location on the east cost of the US, with some other people from the company from around the world (we live in the UK). The trip is at the end of next month, dates non-negotiable.

The company don't allow children to go on these jollies, it's supposed to be adults only/bonding/relaxing sort of thing, but out of necessity do allow babies (it's a bit of a grey area), so the scenario we're presented with is either:

  • DH, DS and I go on the trip, leaving DD at home with loving and familiar G'Parents (however at 3yo she's stayed with them solo only a handful of times, and we were back by the time she woke the next morning, or at worst later the following day)
  • DH goes with a colleague from work, the rest of us stay home

I am totally torn. Cons: I feel horribly guilty about the prospect of going and leaving DD, and it's a long way should anything untoward happen to any of us. Pros: it would be a super trip, after 2 kids in 3 years DH and I really need some couple time (which we'd get as DS is a very easy baby), DD'd certainly live to tell the tale, and I kind of think I deserve a reward from DH's company too, after picking up the slack all year while he worked his arse off.

Vipers, please tell me what to do. Or flame me for being a selfish unfit mother who cares more about pina coladas than her own child

OP posts:
321zerobaby · 02/03/2016 11:45

Definitely go.

willconcern · 02/03/2016 11:45

Go. I too would have accepted already and booked GPs in to have DD.

When DS was 18 months old, we left him with GPs and went to the West coast of America for 10 days. He was absolutely fine (and half your DD's age!).

notinagreatplace · 02/03/2016 11:47

The only aspect of this that I'd worry about is whether it might make DD jealous of DS - but, if that's all going fine at the moment, I wouldn't worry about it.

FigMango1 · 02/03/2016 11:47

Lucky you, go go go!

Maybe do a day/2 stay over with Gps to get dd used to it. She will be well cared for and loved and not to mention spoilt by her gps. These are once in a life time opportunities and take them when you can. Buy her something really nice, or take her somewhere special when you get back.
At the very worst case you can come back a day/2 early but go! Smile

PaulAnkaTheDog · 02/03/2016 11:50

Go, go, go!

GoblinLittleOwl · 02/03/2016 11:52

Go, Go, Go!!!

BertrandRussell · 02/03/2016 11:52

I went on loads of work trips with dp when did was a baby- some pure work, some jollies. I couldnMt always to all of the trips and stuff who cares? Even if you don't fancy touristinh on your own with the baby, there'll be a pool and a big room and room service and no housework and a big telly........

HeteronormativeHaybales · 02/03/2016 11:54

I can't imagine anything I'd less like to do than tag along on a work trip with other people from my dh's work and little 'escape' for 5 days, especially with having to deal with a baby - whose needs the others on the trip might b reluctant to accommodate.

Your dd would probably be OK, though you will miss her and she you.

If he gets trips as rewards he should also be getting a decent bonus. Use that for a family holiday somewhere lovely.

HeteronormativeHaybales · 02/03/2016 11:55

Oh, and I think couple time on a trip like this would be a bit illusory - you yourself say there will be the expectation of bonding with colleagues.

starry0ne · 02/03/2016 11:56

I would go...Assuming you think DD will be fine and G.parents are happy...

Its not a full week...

I would tell DD she is going to have a treat and stay at g.parents but you have to go with Daddy for work.. At 3 it is easy to make them feel they get the better deal.

HermioneJeanGranger · 02/03/2016 11:57

So long as you're happy to spend most of your time with the baby while DH goes on jollies with his colleagues, then go. I don't think you should bank on spending much time with your DH, though.

Chocolatteaddict1 · 02/03/2016 11:59

Go! My bags would be already packed!!

Chocolatteaddict1 · 02/03/2016 11:59

hermoine how can you possibly know that ? Confused

WorraLiberty · 02/03/2016 12:01

I'd go if I were you.

The jet-lag could fuck you up though for such a short trip.

squoosh · 02/03/2016 12:01

GO!

To go on this trip without DD?
FrenchJunebug · 02/03/2016 12:03

Go and leave both kids with the grand parents! They'll be fine and you deserve it.

MooseAndSquirrel · 02/03/2016 12:05

Agree with pp about making your DD believe its a special treat (very easy to do & will stop jealousy)
I would 100% go....but id leave both kids and do sweet FA in the sun!

OnlyLovers · 02/03/2016 12:05

Go! You sound as though you and DH both need and deserve a break, especially an all-expenses-paid one.

TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 02/03/2016 12:05

It's 5 days, not two weeks, and at least a full day will be spent travelling.

It's important that your DH attend if he has achieved this standard - reminds people who he is, networking etc.
Your DD is old enough to have a week with the GDP's being spoiled rotten. She doesn't need to know it's a holiday, just that its for work.

ZiggyFartdust · 02/03/2016 12:06

OP doesn't want to leave a 12 week old baby with GP's, that wasn't one of her options. I don't think many people would?

ZiggyFartdust · 02/03/2016 12:06

OP doesn't want to leave a 12 week old baby with GP's, that wasn't one of her options. I don't think many people would?

Glitterspy · 02/03/2016 12:07

Sooo...the jury is speaking! I'm glad you're so supportive of going, I was half expecting more naysaying...but the cautious ones are right, I'd miss DD terribly (and she us), and it could indeed spark jealousy toward DS (but she's been fine so far with that)...and true Worra on the jetlag.

Dry runs with (keen, yes) GPs are a great idea.

What shall I do with all this guilt, then? Any ideas?

OP posts:
Glitterspy · 02/03/2016 12:08

And yes I can't leave DS, he's ebf.

OP posts:
GrumpyOldBag · 02/03/2016 12:11

Go - My DH used to get trips like this when my dc were small and I always went along too if wives were invited.

We are very lucky that my parents are fantastic grandparents - it's great bonding for the dc with their gps too. Win win for everyone.

Bonywasawarriorwayayix · 02/03/2016 12:12

Plan a special family trip for as soon as you can when you get back, and let your DD have some input?