Have you ever gone on holiday without you DC?

[DragonmotherKhaleesi]

Just that really. We are looking at going to Iceland for 4 or 5 nights next March. My DC are 6, 9 and 11.
My 6 year old would stay with my sister and the older two children with grandparents. They will all be at school during the day.
I've never left them for longer than a long weekend away. We are all ready to book but I feel awful!

Don't feel awful. Have a lovely time

Yes, when DC1 was a year old. DH was in the forces and had been away for few months. We went away for a week when he got back. ILs minded the baby and loved it and we had a much needed break. Get booked OP!

Yep. The only marriages I know that have made it long term - are the ones where the parents put their relationship with each other on equal priority with the care of the children.
Children won't evaporate or need counselling in later life because you both took time for yourselves.
The only important thing is that they are with people who genuinely care for them.
The benefit of having two parents who are happy with each other and rested far out weighs any concerns of leaving them for a short time.
It's a fairly unpopular view on MN though as the general consensus is that you should be a full time mummy martyr and not leave them with anyone (least if all your MIL) until they are 21 !

Yep. We always left the youngest with GP until they were 2 (sleeping!) for holidays. Meant we had a good break.
Also stood to the kids later as they were used to time at GPs . When my Dad died he took 10 days in Intensive Care 200 miles from home and GPs stepped in, was no big deal for kids as they were comfortable (and love time) with GP.

We do one 5-7 holiday a year without the kids and 1 or 2 weekends, kids are 4,5,9 and 11.
I think its healthy to have time apart not just for the parents but for the children to have different experiances and grow independance.

Yes, we went to Dublin for 5 days when Dd2 was 6mths.
She stayed with my sister for 3 days then Inlaws had her till we came back.

Have an amazing time and enjoy the space for yourself. We've gone away over our anniversary most years for 2-3 nights since DD was a year old (she's 10 and brother 7 now).

The kids will probably love having some separate time as well. Have fun.

Me and dh go away 2/3 times a year for 2/3 nights each time!! Dc stay home with older dd.
Works brilliant!!

We’ve gone away, but only for things we thought the children wouldn’t be interested in. I’d feel really guilty going on a holiday they’d enjoy too. Not rational really, and probably not very helpful to you either! Sorry

Went sailing with the older two and left the baby and toddler at home. Now try to get away for a long weekend every year with just DH. Does wonders for us and the dc enjoy being spoilt by GPs

Thankyou.
I think I just need to bite the bullet and book. They wouldn't be interested in Iceland at all. We only got back from Florida in September so it's not like they haven't been on a significant holiday lately. ( see how im talking myself out of the guilt!)