MIL taking child on holiday without you

[Cpmumx]

Hi.

My mother in law wants to take my 2yr old on holiday with her in the same country (England) for a few nights to visit some relatives that have only met my son twice. They live about 3 hours away. I want to say no but just don't know if km being petty. For some context my mother in law is really good to us & we get along on! However only sees my boy about twice month and only at an hour at a time,

what would you do?

edit she has had him to stay at hers multiple times & he loves his grandma but I'm still not comfortable about him being so far away

She needs to build up to having him for a few hours and overnight before I’d even entertain a few nights away. He’ll be distressed otherwise

If she’s had him overnight and he loves his grandma what is the issue to let her take him for a few days only a few hours away. It’s good for young children to spend a little time away from their parents, it helps them develop into well rounded and sociable people. It’s good for parents to have some time to themselves as well. I dont understand why it’s even a question.

defiantly not, just say while i appreciate the offer i am not comfortable with ds being away from us for so long and at such a young age. maybe in the future but at the moment i just dont feel comfortable with it.

your child your rules dont be forced into something your not happy with

Wow.. one of those threads where I realize how out of line I am with the majority.

For me, as long as she has a good relationship and she is capable/good with kids, no problem. If she hasn't done a sleep over before, do one beforehand as a test, and if that goes well, great. I'm sure they will have a lovely time.

My other consideration would be the age.. just turned 2 is quite different from nearly 3. And children mature at different rates, and are differently clingy/dependant.. my son around 2.5 was fine to be away with grandparents for 2 nights.. spent days on the beach and came back buzzing, telling me all about the wizard of Oz, which his grandma read to him, and became a favourite.

No. My mother tried this around this age, wanting to show off my DC to her relatives. It was a hard no.

If you get along well with her, you can revisit this topic in a few years when your child is older. Better for the relative to visit if they want to meet your DC and you have no reason to visit them.