There a big family party this summer, a celebration of someone’s big age and all my rellies from near and far will be going. We don’t live anywhere near them.
I’m a single mum and the party falls on my kids’ weekend with their dad.
Previously with other parties (mainly different side of the family) I’ve taken the kids from their Dad’s and to whatever the family celebration It is.
This time tho I’m tempted to leave them behind. Due to distance we’re not a ‘close’ family and I’ve always stressed how important it is to me for my kids to be around their cousins wherever possible. The last one was November...
My kids are under ten, very ‘lively’ and oft times demanding, particularly the eldest who has touches of social anxiety which can manifest in quite brattish behaviour...
I’m torn. It’s so much easier for me to go alone, travel, accommodation etc, if I go alone I can have a bed with my sister otherwise I have to find and pay for room for me and kids plus train fare etc.
I have illnesses which cause pain and fatigue and are exacerbated by stress.
I know I’d be more relaxed without the kids but at the same time feel so mean leaving them out of this big event where other (easier to manage as not mine) kids will be.
Aibu to leave them wth their dad?