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Holidays

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Original poster

Would you go on a one off holiday without your kids?

46 replies

shinook123 · 07/04/2018 15:19

I already feel guilty just thinking about it.
We've been married 16 years and have six children between us.
We took the eldest two on our honeymoon with us (we didn't have the younger four children then).
We've always had nice holidays with all our children both in the UK and abroad.
The past couple of years have been quite stressful and I've had a few health issues.
Our family have offered to have our children for a week next year,saying it would be nice for us to have a break just the two of us,a second honeymoon sort of.
On one hand it sounds lovely,maybe a Greek island somewhere we can chill by day and explore a bit,enjoy a nice meal in the evening.We choose our holidays based on kids so usually end up in All inclusive with waterparks etc so they are not quiet or scenic if you know what I mean.
We couldn't afford to do two holidays abroad next year,one for us and one for the kids but would stretch to taking the kids on a UK break,centre Parcs or maybe Alton towers etc...So the kids would also have something to look forward too.
Our kids will be aged between 12 and 16 next year when or if we go.
Has anyone been on holiday although their children and not felt too guilty.
I'd hate to go away and be miserable feeling guilty especially if I see other kids with their families there.
But at the same time it would be so nice to have a holiday just the two of us after a hard few years.
I know we have years when the children are grown up but I've got IBD and can't foresee how my health will be in years to come.If I'd be well enough to travel abroad.
Just be nice to hear from other people's experiences

OP posts:

Bringonspring · 07/04/2018 19:09

Do it!!!!

tissuesosoft · 07/04/2018 19:12

I would! I actually have when DD was 7 months old- DP and I went to Rome for three nights. DD has a wonderful time with my parents

Sunshinebeach · 07/04/2018 19:13

We stayed in Insotel hotel Formentera Playa and had such an amazing time

TSSDNCOP · 07/04/2018 19:15

Yep, been away loads leaving the DC with my parents. Great for me and DH, great for the relationship between DC and GP. The DC learnt from an early age people they love do leave, but also come back.

bananasandwicheseveryday · 07/04/2018 19:23

We left dc1 for a few days when they were a few months old. Not planned, but the opportunity arose for Dh and I to have a week away, just us. It had been a really rough year for both of us, one of the worst we've ever had, and we both desperately needed that break. We never did it again, in fact the next time we went away as a couple, was a long weekend when dc1 was about 18. I know some people judged us, but they had no idea what we'd been through. You sound as though you need a break as much as we did, so I'd say go.

Icklepickle101 · 07/04/2018 19:29

100%

My parents went away without us a few times when I was early secondary years and we just had a lovely time with grandparents, no resentment or jealousy

MyDcAreMarvel · 07/04/2018 19:36

No , leaving the kids is fine. I wouldn’t sacrifice the kids holiday for a couple holiday.
Two weddings and a graduation are three weeks. You still have three left for a family holiday.

WatchingFromTheWings · 07/04/2018 19:38

I've done it a few times! Go for it!

GreenRut · 07/04/2018 19:41

100% yes. I've done it several times, two or three days, but planning a 5 day break soon, my dcs are all under 8.

Lifeisshortbuytheshoes · 07/04/2018 19:42

I just can’t leave the country without my kids. Even going more than a few hours away from them in this country stresses me out. I think it’s mainly due to having been away when my eldest was a toddler and fell seriously ill and was rushed to hospital by air ambulance. I have never felt a worse feeling than racing down the motorway, hours away from the hospital, not even knowing if my baby was dead or alive. Several years on and it still makes me feel like crying.
I just know I couldn’t relax going on holiday without them.
I’m really hoping it will get better when they’re older.....

DowntonCrabby · 07/04/2018 19:45

Kids aged between 12-16?!?! Abso(bloody)lutely

I wouldn't if they were loads younger, we had 3 days away from PFB when she was 6. We'd happily have a week away from both DC now aged 13 and 5. We know they'd be amazing well looked after.

Original poster

shinook123 · 07/04/2018 20:01

MyDcAreMarvel
No we don't have three weeks in between.
The graduation is the end of July which means a 4 day trip away.DC are coming with us we are staying with relatives for that.
One wedding is the first week of August and the other wedding is the third week of August.
The later wedding we are travelling too and are also away for three days.
It would be absolute manic to try and fit a fortnights holiday into that.
Yes we have the last week of August but are usually getting the kids sorted out for school then.
Even a weeks holiday abroad would be too much of a rush with all the packing and unpacking.Plus we live a three hour drive from an airport.
Also it would be very doubtful to get annual leave for the weddings,graduation add well as a full week or fortnights holiday in the summer holidays.A long weekend or Monday to Friday was as much as we could push to in the school holidays.
I've spoken to my children and they are more than happy to go on a UK break,one has even asked if they can go to Butlins again.I don't think they need to have a fortnight abroad to have a nice time.
We've had some wonderful family holidays and my children know they are lucky compared to some children who's families simply can't afford even a UK break.
Dd 15 isn't too bothered,she's more excited for her prom.
I had emergency surgery eighteen months ago and almost lost part of my bowel.
I still at some point might need a stoma bag.
It's certainly one of those life events when you think you can't afford to wait another 8-10 years to do certain things.
We've also moved house and had a bereavement.So it's been a difficult time lately.
This would be a one off second honeymoon.

OP posts:

Cockmagic · 07/04/2018 20:04

I went away last year with partner. DD (8) stayed with grandparents, she was fine (also autistic) .

We went abroad and it was lovely recharged my batteries.

useyourownteabag · 07/04/2018 20:36

DH and I have been married a long time. I partly put it down to our annual week away without the DC. We always come back happy and raring for family life.
Go for it.

Peonyflower37 · 07/04/2018 22:52

Your kids are not babies. I wouldn't think twice. You and toy husband need and deserve the break. Kids will have lots of holidays in their own when they grow up. It will help you recharge your energies. I know lots of couples who do it all the time. We have done it about 6 times. We got two kids under 10.

Peonyflower37 · 07/04/2018 22:53

Sorry your husband not toy husband

ShanghaiDiva · 08/04/2018 06:44

Have done this several times and not felt guilty. My mum came to our house to look after dcs and they did not seem traumatised by our absence.

PeonyTruffle · 08/04/2018 07:04

My DH and I went on our honeymoon to Mexico when DS was 2 and he stayed with my MIL and DM.
10 days child free in paradise, was lovely but we did miss him, he was spoilt rotten and had a whale of a time though

BubblesBuddy · 09/04/2018 00:19

Ours went to boarding school at 11. We had holidays without them. I never needed to be with them all the time. They are fine without parents every day of the year. They might even be pleased you have gone!

achangeisasgoodasabreakdown · 09/04/2018 00:30

Absolutely go.

Also sending you a pm

crazymumofthree · 10/04/2018 12:21

Yes I would 100 percent! It doesn't make you a bad Mum having a break and I am sure they will love spending time with grandparents and be spoilt! It's only a week and they are older too so it's not like they are dependant in you! Have you spoken to the kids about it and asked if they would care? I am sure they would encourage you tbh!

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