to leave my children for five weeks to sail across an ocean?

[joshandjamie]

My new year resolution was to make some time for me. I sort of meant doing the odd bit of exercise, nothing extreme. But then the opportunity came along for me to take part in an around the world yacht race and I signed up to do the first leg sailing from the UK to Brazil. This will take 5 weeks.

It is a MASSIVE challenge physically, mentally, logistically, financially and emotionally but I'm really keen to now do it and prove that it's possible to do something crazy for yourself even if you're a mum. My husband supports me every step of the way.

But my mother heartily disapproves. She feels that it will be very unfair on the children and that I'm wrong for doing it. I will have to get a nanny to look after them while I'm away because although my husband will be here, he works and will probably only see them just before bedtime and on weekends. My children are aged 3 and 5.

Is this an unreasonable thing to do?

PS - if you want to follow my blog on this it's www.moretolifethanlaundry.com

Yes.

If you and your DH are happy with it and the children are happy when they are with him then YANBU at all.

Good luck with it btw.

Do it girl!

Your blog is amazing btw. I like it very much.

Not something I would do. Five weeks for a 3 yr old will seem like a lifetime

It is only for 5 weeks! Yes they will miss you and you will miss them but they will survive and appreciate you more when you come back. I'm very as its something I've always wanted to do. Does it cost a lot to participate? Do you have to do much preperation before? Off to read blog now...

I would do it but feel huge guilt.As long as you don't get the bug for big adventures and they have total care from your dh and friends and family go for it xx

Do it.

In your position I would have concerns and feel some guilt, but with a supportive husband and someone trustworthy to look after your children I'd go ahead. You're dc's are not going to be damaged in any way, but will benefit from a fulfilled mother.

I couldn't do it myself, but if you can then go for it! It is a ocne in a lifetime opportunity and sounds a fantastic thing to be able to do.
Will you be able to keep in contact with your children at all?

It sounds like a challenge and something you are desperate to do.

You know your kids and deep down know how this will affect them so go with your gut instinct.

I have the same age kids and for me it would be too hard to leave them for 5 weeks.

Good luck whatever you decide to do....

Honestly at three and five when they're used to spending time with you that will be replaced by a Nanny and not a grandparent or parent at their age is far too long. I leave my DH every summer and take myu children accross the world to see my parents. The benefits are a wonderful summer, swimming every day and spending time with me and my parents (no housework as my parents have a maid). The downside of not seeing Daddy for 6 weeks is outweighed by spending time with a stress free Mummy...
Your situation means they see Daddy at bedtime and no compensation for missing you.

5 weeks is an okay amount to my mind. I wouldn't push it much further than that though. You will probably be able to communicate a little in that time anyway.

Has anyone read the OP?
The 'supportive' DH will only see these kids just before bedtime.
That's not supporting them!

You are going to have many years in the future for "me time" (god I hate that expression). I wouldn't do it in a million years when my kids are that age.

I might have said it was a great thing to do until your "prove" comment. I don't see what you need to prove anything to anyone.

Sorry, but I'm never really impressed with these "brave" challenges that will test you to the extreme. Discover a cure for cancer, I'll be impressed. Go sailing for five weeks putting yourself in danger and abandoning your kids. Not really. Just my opinion.

Do it.

You and your DH are happy, your DC will be fine.

Nothing else is important.

When you finish, your mum will be the one boasting to all and sundry about her fabulous DD.

Like the blog, I am off to sponsor you now.

I would do it

But start the nanny well before you go, so the transition isn't brutal. Good luck

And if a man was to do this, would anyone question him leaving his children for 5 weeks to sail across an ocean?

Thought it was Mozhe back for a minute

I can see your dilemma - I'd want to do it, very much, but would also be worried about leaving them for 5 weeks. How are they normally- do they ever seem anxious regarding separation etc? I know that ds who is 5, couldn't cope with something like this - but ds2 who's much younger, probably could.

That's what I'd go on - and make sure they were left with someone familiar ie get ehr in NOW so they don't have to struggle with all that after you've left iyswim. They need to form attachments to the nanny before you are out of the picture.

No you are not! Go for it. How wonderful.

It's only 5 weeks fgs.

Imagine how your DC will enjoy telling their mates what their mum is doing. Major kudos!