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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not understand the parents jetting off on summer hols, but leaving their kids behind??

269 replies

ICoriander · 19/08/2016 15:24

I just really, really don't get it.

Just seen on fb some friends doing the obligatory airport pic before jetting off abroad, whilst their 2 kids (around 8 and 11) are sent off to grandparents for the week. The kids usually spend their whole summer holidays with family so the couple can work, but they always take a week away themselves during that time. I could maybe understand it if they were doing a family holiday abroad, then one on their own, but the kids don't ever go.

Obviously none of my business, but it makes me irrationally angry, as it seems so selfish. I have dc of similar ages, and would never take the opportunity to go on holiday with dh without them; we'd be lost!

Is it just me??

OP posts:
LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 19/08/2016 18:39

You just called Dancing a cow, Pop Chart, for no good reason that I can see. I think you must be one of those nasty women that you referred to.

PaulAnkaTheDog · 19/08/2016 18:39

Bloody hell Popchart have a glass of wine/cup of tea/ whatever you fancy and calm the fuck down. What stupid posts! Hypocritical as well!

LotsOfShoes · 19/08/2016 18:40

I think always holidaying on your own and never taking the kids abroad with you is a bit harsh, I don't know anyone who would do that. It's basically telling the kids they are annoying and hard work and don't want to spend time with them on holiday. But the occasional couple's getaway is obviously perfectly fine.

ohdearme1958 · 19/08/2016 18:42

I think Popchart does have a grudge if one of her previous posts is anything to go by.

DancingDinosaur · 19/08/2016 18:48

Oh yes, I just saw that. That angry grudge must be very weighty to carry around.

MrsBobDylan · 19/08/2016 18:49

I am pissed off so many of you get child free holidays. I hate you all

DioneTheDiabolist · 19/08/2016 18:52

It's basically telling kids they are annoying and hard work and don't want to spend time with tgem on holiday.

No it isn't.

PaulAnkaTheDog · 19/08/2016 18:55

Grudge?! I'm lost.

FeedMeAndTellMeImPretty · 19/08/2016 18:55

My DP and I go away on our own, it's part of what keeps our relationship healthy, having a bit of time to relax, just the two of us.

We do also take our DCs sometimes, but tbh it's not really a holiday for me when the DCs are around, I can't switch off and properly relax as DS1 (ASD) is a bit hard work at the best of times and the others, while lovely, still need feeding, entertaining, sunscreening etc.

A week when they stay with family and we can devote a bit of time to each other is fun for everyone involved. We do usually go during term time but that is more for the convenience of whoever is looking after them, so they don't have to spend all day everyday entertaining them. However, the odd few days in the holidays is more fun for all concerned.

AyeAmarok · 19/08/2016 18:56

I got packed off to GPs frequently with my siblings so my parents could have a nice holiday abroad.

They worked hard, had 4 DC who all had lots of activities etc. We were hard work. They deserved it. I never thought they didn't like is.

OP, you sound jealous.

Philoslothy · 19/08/2016 18:59

I can't imagine telling them we are going away but they are not important enough to come.

It isn't about not being important enough but that they are not the only important people in our family. We have holidays that are mainly about the children, we often take away their friends with us as well. Our children are not short of holidays both with and without us as the older children will go on at least one foreign trip with school each year.

NotYoda · 19/08/2016 18:59

Lots

Yes, I don't think the OP knows anyone like that either

Jizzomelette · 19/08/2016 19:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

StillRabbit · 19/08/2016 19:03

DH and I have managed to go away without our children just ONCE in 18 years and only then because both DC had coinciding school trips! Last few holidays have been only with our youngest. DS is only 13 so it will be a few years before we can holiday alone.....

We never even managed a meal out for just the two of us until DD was old enough to leave 'in charge' of DS.

ilovesprouts · 19/08/2016 19:05

If my son does not go abroad then I don't, just took him to Alcudia this month also going again in October first time flying for me and him he was good as gold and has sn.

isittimeforcoffee · 19/08/2016 19:09

I'm sort of with you with this one OP. I couldn;t care less what other people do but there is absolutely no way I could go on holiday for even a week, whether to this country or abroad without the kids. A couple of nights yes but not a full on holiday. I want family holidays, and although me and hubby could quite happily spend two weeks on our own without the children, we wouldn't want to at all.

ohdearme1958 · 19/08/2016 19:13

Do people actually read the full thread before posting?

SpookyPotato · 19/08/2016 19:16

I will definitely do long weekends away with DP when the kids are not toddlers but wouldn't want to be away for a week. But that's just me, I don't care what anyone else does! I agree that it's so good for couples to get some time alone to just be them again.

ItsABanana · 19/08/2016 19:29

How do you know they don't take ever take family holidays? Have they told you that?
For all you know they could have done a family time holiday and then going for a break for themselves.
If you're just speculating via FB nosing, then you have no way of knowing.
Plus, adults are allowed "alone time" as well sometimes you know. Hmm
Bet the kids are having a whale of a time at their grandparents.

MaureenMLove · 19/08/2016 19:33

God, I wish. We've been going to the same wonderful place for the last 8 years and I'd love to go with just DH. Sadly, DD keeps following us. She's 21!! Grin.

MeAndMy3LovelyBoys · 19/08/2016 19:35

Parents are entitled to have a holiday without their children. In most cases, I bet children are probably excited about spending a week with their grandparents! I remember my parents doing this once when I was about 10 and I spent the week with my grandma... I didn't feel abandoned or unhappy. I loved it!
As long as someone responsible is looking after the children then what's the issue?

NotYoda · 19/08/2016 19:46

ohdearme

No

I've answered the same question 3 times

ohdearme1958 · 19/08/2016 19:47

It's on page 1, I think, that the imaginary family in the OP, had a family holiday this year.

Probably when the OP was busy organizing her children going to boarding school.

NotYoda · 19/08/2016 19:47

ohdearme

Yes, that's the one Grin

ohdearme1958 · 19/08/2016 19:48

Notyoda - you even have me at it now. So if you want to nip off to put the kettle on I've got your shift covered.