To leave my kids for a week

[BanginChoons]

I've been offered an opportunity to go to another country for a weeks experience as part of my uni course. It's non compulsory. As the single parent of 3 children (12, 6 and 5) I haven't left them that long before, only ever overnight while I work nights. I would be leaving them with a relative I trust but she hasn't looked after them before.

What would you do? Would you go?

Id go

Too bloody right!

Long time for childcare if they haven't had them before.

A trial run maybe?

Definitely go. As long as you’re fully happy with the care they’ll get while you’re away, this might not happen again. Also, your course is (presumably) setting you up for a better future for you all, so you need to make the most of it.

Just go! Your children will miss you (as you will miss them) but one week with a relative is hardly going to scar them for life. Make the most of the opportunity.

Depends how it will affect your career. Will it make a difference for the future?
Also how organized is your household and how sensible is the relative? You could always leave them for a few hours beforehand to get to know each other.

Yes. They're old enough to understand what an opportunity it is and that you're coming back - also old enough to talk on the phone or video call. If your 12yo likes helping, you could ask them to help your relative with the smaller ones.

Thanks everyone, I didn't expect such a positive response! The relative has spent time with us several times a year and we have stayed at her house a couple of times before. She lives quite far away but they do know each other.

I'm not sure how beneficial it will be career wise. I think it will open my eyes to certain things and give me more confidence. Selfishly, as I have been a parent for as long as I've been a grown-up, I haven't really had the chance to travel or have an experience like this before.

Go.
It's only for a week.
Do a couple of stay over sessions for your kids to get used to the idea first if possible.
They will be fine.

That's not selfish op, you've been there for your kids and put them first and now you have an opportunity for yourself. It's perfectly ok to want to do something for yourself. You'll ensure they're well cared for in your absence, they'll be fine.

Totally go.

If you need to assuage your guilt, (you don't need to be guilty, but if you can't stop yourself) be totally mega-organised for the relative, meal plan, plus plan nice things for them to do (not necessarily expensive things!) and say thanks to them with nice present and card. Organisation and appreciation are the key.

But GO! Good for you.

I'd go. Wouldn't think twice about it. I think it's great you're doing a uni course and great that you're thinking in terms of enhancing your confidence. Soon you will be parenting teenagers and a confident mum who is prepared to take on new challenges is a great role model.

Hope you'll get some down time whilst there to enjoy a few drinks and potter about the place.

Enjoy it!

Do it! You will regret it if you don’t.

I wouldn’t give it a second thought, go!

Go! It will be for a week and you could gain and grow from this which only is an advantage for your children in the long run.

At that age I would say definitely go, and I say that as a mum of three who only left mind for 3 days last month for the first time

I would want to be sure the relative can cope before committing to the trip. How do the dc feel about it?

A break would do you the world of good.

Yup definitely go!

At their age they will be able to understand it and realise it is a fairly short time - could also do the map thing, showing them where you are going, etc

Don’t do presents unless you really want to get into the habit of any time you travel/stay overnight elsewhere having to bring something back

Go go go go go!

I just accepted my place! Eeek!

Fantastic!

Good experience for everyone all round.

Fantastic! Well done xxx

Great news op, enjoy!

Excellent!