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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to wonder why parents take a toddler abroad on holiday

135 replies

boozybritabroad · 23/05/2019 16:06

I'm currently on holiday. At the airport saw parents stressed out with toddlers. Airport shop toddlers wanting LOL dolls causing arguments, parents losing their shit. On the plane toddlers running riot - parents losing their shit. At the hotel toddlers screaming all day. Surely it's better just to leave them at home so you can enjoy a bit of peace and quiet?

OP posts:
Aragog · 23/05/2019 20:17

Surely it's better just to leave them at home so you can enjoy a bit of peace and quiet?

I chose to have a child because I wanted to spend time with my child, not leave them with someone else for a week at a time.

I chose to have a child - why should someone else be given the task to look after my child, unpaid? My parents have done their stint bringing up me and my siblings.

For us, holiday time is precious - DH has limited time off particularly. During the working weeks we are busy - out of the house early, home latish, even when DD was small. Why do I want to spend those 30 days away from the child I chose to have.

Besides - NONE of those things have happened to us when we've taken DD on holiday abroad - at any age, from 16 months to now at 17y.

She's always loved going on a plane, and stays to her seat. She has always been quiet entertained with things we take with us, or by us (or if they are travelling with us, family). She's never been allowed to run around on a plane, and she's never been a screamer or one to tantrum much - and never did on a plane or whilst away. She used headphones as soon as she was able to sit and watch things - first time was probably on the 9 hour flight to Florida, aged just over 2.

On holiday she has always loved it - all that one to one (or 2:1) attention with new things to see and do. We chose not to use childcare , and spent our time together as a family, or with other family or friends. She has always liked warm, or even hot, weather.

We;;ve always done a variety of holiday times, but always ensured there is something for everyone and particularly DD, esp as she is an only one.

Holidays have never been a time of angst for us.

Greyhound22 · 23/05/2019 20:48

Erm to see my family that live in another country?

Quantumphysics · 23/05/2019 21:03

What madness is this? Leave them? What are they, some sort of optional accessory?

Maldives2006 · 23/05/2019 21:15

You haven’t been on holiday for 7 years because you don’t want to take your kids with you!!

Oh well never mind more space in hotels for the rest of usGrin

Shelbybear · 23/05/2019 21:34

I'm currently on holiday with mine! I wouldn't do without holidays just because I have a toddler.

It is stressful, security is the worst. Take ur belt off ur shoes ur watch, fold the pram gets ur liquids out ur iPads etc etc oh and keep hold of ur little one! I beeped had to be patted down and a body scan then another scan came up they had to body check my 2 yr old too. She didn't sleep on the plane and it was a night time flight so she was cranky. She finally fell asleep on the bus at 11.30pm.

She's actually been really gd though, no screaming from my girl and she's having a great time as are we. Seen worse bah your from older kids about 5ish who are splashing hitting and not doing what they r told. It's not a holiday like it used to be but I still love getting away and in the sun by the pool etc.

Basilneedswaterandsun · 23/05/2019 21:37

Scrolled all the way through to find out who op leaves her kids with

Vivavivienne · 23/05/2019 21:45

I do it because I love it. Because I enjoyed the benefits of travel as a child. Because my child loves it. Because I can.

Any number of reasons! Not once has my child every behaved as you describe. Only time I felt stressed was when she was a bit chesty in the Far East at 12 weeks old. Quick trip to a superb Chinese pediatrician and it was all sorted.

If you enjoy travel, can afford it and adjust your expectations, I don’t know why you wouldn’t take you children.

Whatareyoutalkingabout · 24/05/2019 01:02

I'd rather have to parent some normal toddler behaviours while on holiday and have my DC with me, than not have them there at all. I couldn't enjoy a holiday if I left them at home personally. I'd feel awfully guilty and miss them so much! I travel with toddlers. It's really not such so difficult and still possible to enjoy the trip!

edgeofheaven · 24/05/2019 01:53

My toddlers always sleep extremely well on beach holidays as the sun and sea wear them out. First time we took DC1 she slept 13 hours at night and 2 hours at nap. It was incredible!

Branleuse · 24/05/2019 06:39

If youve got kids, you tend to go on holiday with kids.

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