To feel guilty about going away

[Umph]

I’m leaving my 3 and 5 year old at home with DH for a week for a work trip next week. Ultimately I know DH will be absolutely fine. I work FT and he runs his own business from home so is much more ‘present’ at home in the week anyway and does the lion’s share of housework.

I’ve been really looking forward to my ‘little holiday’ (I’m literally staying in a budget hotel and working every day). I just feel so guilty about going! No about leaving DH, but about the kids being sad!! Or even DH realising that his life is easier without me (I’m awaiting ADHD and autism assessment so I strongly suspect this is probably true).

Please tell me I’m being stupid?

You’re being stupid! 😁

You are going to work, to earn money to give your children as nice a life as possible.
You are leaving them with a loving, capable parent while you do so.
You are showing them that women are not just mothers and wives but equal partners in a relationship.

You are teaching them (and hopefully yourself) that you are entitled to a life as well, and apart, from them and that this will make you a well rounded, happier person than putting yourself last all the time.
And you will come back having missed them and genuinely appreciate the time you have with them more.

Go, work hard, try to see some stuff of an evening, buy them a present each and don’t give it another thought!