many facets to this problem so a basic outline:
This year we have not booked a holiday since dh and I have uncertain work commitments (possible job changes temporary contracts etc). This means we can't really afford a formal holiday. We often take our main holiday with our inlaws in Devon and indeed we were counting on this. But they are putting their house on the market so have told us they don't want guests this summer. We will go for a long weekend and that's it. I am a bit gutted about this but understand the reasons why.
Soo... dh's friend and his wife have invited us to visit their new villa in Spain for a week as and when we can manage it. Wonderful you say, but here's the catch. Both of them are teachers specialising in primary and early years, heads of department, many years experience. One of them has taught my son (not at his current school). I know they will be off duty, and they are both very nice people but I will still feel watched and judged, just because of what they do. I would say my style of parenting is a bit laid back and my sons will be very lively and exciteable, I know it. They always are in a strange place. The couple know our sons, but have never spent more than a few hours outside a classrooom setting with them. The woman is also a stickler for neatness and very houseproud I have been told. Every time I think of the holiday I get the jitters. Will this work out? and what happens when teachers are off duty? do they switch off?