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Original poster

How far would you/have you gone with your children?

15 replies

fatbetty · 03/03/2006 08:54

My DH's best friend lives in Japan and is getting married in July (in Japan). Ever since the announcement of his engagment, DH has been planning the trip. I'm just concerned about taking our 2 kids who will be 3.5 and 2 at the time of the wedding. They have done several long-haul flights to the States before to see family and it takes them about a week to adjust to the time difference. And at least when we go to the States we usually take it easy the first couple of days, where if we go to Japan I'm afraid of dragging them around all over the place. Not too worried about the DS2 who will be 2 as he will most likely be in a pram - but DS1 won't.

I really would love to go and see a traditional Japanaese wedding but keep thinking of the nightmare the kids could be. And I'm not ready to leave them behind for 2 weeks - I wouldn't enjoy myself. Any advice??

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alexsmum · 03/03/2006 09:08

Go and take them they'll be fine.Buy a buggy board for the 3.5 year old and just do it. It might be hard work but you'll regret it if you don't go and your dh might be resentful.
Grab every opportunity you get with both hands.honestly, it's the only way to live.

Original poster

fatbetty · 03/03/2006 09:13

We've never let the kids hold us back before with travelling and I know they can easily adapt to new situations. I don't know why I have this nagging voice in my head saying that it will be horrible taking the kids and that I'm not thinking of them, and that maybe we should wait until they are older and they can remember it more. Argh! But thanks for your advice alexsmum! i did need to hear that!

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ghosty · 03/03/2006 09:13

Well, I took DS (5 at the time) and DD (17 months) from NZ to the UK for my sister's wedding last year.
We went for 5 and a half weeks and spent the first week at my mums recuperating which was much needed as we did the two 12 hour flights back to back ...
My sister's wedding was in the 4th week of our stay and the week running up to it was pretty manic as I was 'Matron of Honour' .

Japan from the UK is a 12ish hour flight isn't it? Well, I would go for it if I were you ... Like you, I wouldn't leave my children behind for 2 weeks and IME kids adjust really well.

My sister just came here from the UK with her 3 year old and they only came for 2 and a half weeks ... and we got onto the 'sightseeing' almost immediately. My niece was tired (fell asleep everytime we got in the car) but was great.

Go for it .... I would!

bluejelly · 03/03/2006 09:13

Go for it. Took my dd to Japan when she was three. She loved it. really did. It's a great place for kids.
She didn't get jetlag ( I did!)
But I would advise taking a night flight as she was too excited to sleep on our day time flight...

Original poster

fatbetty · 03/03/2006 09:28

Oh Bluejelly, I would love to hear where you went with dd in Japan.

Yes, it's a 12 hour flight to Japan (that's if it's direct!). We are used to doing 9 hour flights to the States so a couple more hours isn't a problem. Would it be worth getting another pram to take along for the 3.5 year old or would the buggy board do? I suppose one could sleep in the pram and the other ride on the buggy board and then swap over.

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arfissimo · 03/03/2006 10:26

I did Oz on my own with a 2 year old. Before that we did Thailand and 40+ European/Internal Thai flights (alone).

I think you should go for it. I haven't done it with 2, but if there will be two parents why not? Keep your expectations realistic and you'll have a great time.

fairyjay · 03/03/2006 10:33

Sounds like too good an opportunity to miss!

singersgirl · 03/03/2006 10:36

We've just been to Malaysia for a week with DSs age 7 and 4 (a bit older, I know) and it was worth it. We also flew to Asia with them many times between the ages of 6 months and 6 and, though the jet lag is a pain, it's worth it. Go! It will be wonderful.

Original poster

fatbetty · 03/03/2006 10:52

Feeling more positive after all your messages! Thanks!!! I know a few of our friends are going too so maybe it wouldn't be too bad. I know I would kick myself if I didn't go!

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bluejelly · 03/03/2006 13:39

We flew into Osaka and went to Kyoto, then took the shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo. Then went down to the seaside on the train... can't remember the name of the place but will if I rack my brains long enough!

I remember the Tokyo metro being quite hectic, but everywhere else very relaxed...

Where is your wedding?

welshmum · 03/03/2006 14:00

Did Nz with an 18 month old.
Go - it'll be fab

nappybaglady · 05/03/2006 20:38

Round the world with 19month DS and 4y DD. Japan wasn't included. Maybe next time...

Had 2 pushchairs with us most of the way so they could sleep off the jet lag when they needed to and so that we could walk as far as we wanted. You'll have a graet time

Cam · 05/03/2006 20:44

hi fatbetty, this should make you feel better:
My mother took 4 children (on her own) to Singapore in the 1960's. It was then a 24-hour flight with stopovers in Bombay and Kuwait.

Kathy1972 · 06/03/2006 18:32

Fatbetty, sounds fab!
My brother lives in Japan and I can't wait till my 8 month dd is older so I can take her. When I went a few years ago I kept thinking what a great place it would be for kids. Even the weird food is unlikely to be a problem as there's so much 'western' stuff available these days.
Go for it, & hope you have a wonderful time!

Original poster

fatbetty · 10/03/2006 12:22

Well, we've done it now. We've booked the tickets are we are off with kids in tow!! No turning back now and looking forward to it. Thanks for all your advice.

I have been wondering from those of you who have travelled to Japan or have travelled with two kids of similar age, would it be better to take a double pram or or single one with a buggie board. Just concerned about ds1 who will be 3.5 at the time getting too tired from jetlag and walking everywhere.

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