Yes yes it's a Disney one...

[Disney11]

Wondering if you think this will cause a problem?

I want to take DS to Disneyland Paris for a short stay (2 nights) for his birthday. The only way it's affordable is to go outside of the school holidays so would mean no DSC. DS isn't in school yet hence why it's possible.

I'm thinking it's fine for two reasons:

• I'm happy to go alone without DH if he feels he can't come.

• DSC have been to Disneyland Paris a few years ago with their mum so this isn't any different surely?

Based on previous posts on MN, prepare for a kick back from DH.
There seems to be a popular trend regarding it being unfair doing anything with your own DC which doesn't include dsc.
If DH doesn't like it explain that the dsc do things with their dm like going to Disney.
I'm interested to hear how he reacts.
Personally I think it's perfectly reasonable to go away with your own DC alone, it's a misplaced sense of guilt which will make your DH kick back.
I'd set your stall out now or you'll develop a trend where you can't take your DC anywhere without including the dsc.
I speak from experience, a step mum of many years, never again!!!

I can't see a problem. DSC have been before so you can explain that it's DS's turn. I can't see why dh should miss out either. Does the trip fall over the days they'd normally stay with you?

Bring them back a nice present and plan some days out or another short break with all the children together.

In your circumstances I would say it is absolutely fine. Especially as DSC have been before.

Like a PP said, fully expect dad to go oh no its not faaaaiiiiir. Your child didn't chose to have half siblings, don't punish them by not taking them.

I would just go. Don't limit your DS's experiences.

You are fine, both children get Disney with their mum.

It's their dad that can't do something like this for one child and not the other.

Oh god the last Disney thread got to 300 comments of people screeching it's not fair on DSC (even though those DSC had been three times abs DC hadn't ever been)

You know though as a step child and a step mum, go away to Disney have a good time and get your hard hat on.

If there's a large age gap the rides small ones will want to go on will be v different for the eldest and if you do all go. It's likely one of the children would not be able to partake.

I speak as a stepchild who's half sister got taken all over the world, whilst I stayed behind, I was fine with it.

I understood that my half sister was my stepmums daughter and as such she's entitled to do things with her in much the same way I did things with my mum that didn't involve her. Just balance it out with trips that involve everyone and maybe the occasional trip or outing one on one with your SC (if that's appropriate in your particular situation).

Have fun at Disney!

DC shouldn't miss out when the DSC also gets to go with their mum.

My brother went on trips with our parents alone and so did I. It was special for both of us. It should be no different for step siblings.

As DSC have been before with mum I can’t see an issue.

How old is DS and how old are DSC?
I think it's fine if you don't make a big song and dance about it. It would be a bit shitty if they're 12 or 13 and see your pictures all over Facebook but fine if they just notice their little brother has some new Mickey Mouse ears next time they come

Your pre school dc won't remember in years to come...

But they will enjoy it now, and when they are at an age where they'd be more likely to remember it long term, OP may not be able to afford to take them.

And?

It will be for DS's 4th birthday. DSC will be 10 & 13.

Is that a standard birthday treat?

Would it be obvious to the others you'd been?

Take him! There's a world of difference between taking 1 child during term time and taking 3 in school holidays, both in terms of cost and in terms of the overall experience (business, queue times, etc.). Step children don't have to be involved in everything, same as your ds isn't involved in everything they do.

I would say it’s fine. Don’t limit what your child gets to experience. Go for it and have a fab time.

As in have we done the same for DSCs birthdays? No. My husband tends to be mainly responsible for arranging and sorting their birthdays at our house.

In my mind, this would be from me to my son, their mum could do the same for them if she wished on their birthdays and as I say has actually taken them before.

If you can afford it then do it.

As I mentioned before I personally would try and make it as un-obvious to the DSC's as possible so they don't feel they've missed out if your DH does come

This sounds fine and v sensible
Enjoy your trip

Of course it's absolutely fine if your oh isn't going. The only issue would be if that involves using the full holiday fund allocation so there is nothing left for dad to go anywhere.

Otherwise, have a great time.

I think it's fine.

Maybe talk about all the little kid rides you'll go on and big up how it's a preschooler trip rather than family trip? At 10 and 13 they won't want to do the same things.

Absolutely go! Your child can't miss out on things just because your not taking SC. I fully intend to holiday without my SC with my partner. We will take them somewhere as well or some day trips but we will also go away just us in term time. They go away with their mum and our Dc don't go, so what's the difference? They get two holidays and our children get one? No, not fine.

Why can't the OH go? Why do the shared children have to holiday without their dad? The step kids have a mum who they holiday with also.

Sounds fine to me, don’t see a problem with your DH going either - he can make it clear to his children that it’s a one off term time holiday and they ave already been.