Not sure if I can leave my one-year-old and three-year-old for a week. Parents, help me?

Question

All right. I am a stay-at-home-mom who has spent the last three years raising babies. I love my kids deeply, and their grandparents take them every other weekend so I can have some Mommy time. Now, this year I have the opportunity to go to Maine for a week, just me and a dear friend, to a place I've wanted to visit for years. But I'm half terrified of leaving my children, even though my husband (their father) is going to be here, and even though they love my parents.

My son still co-sleeps and will be seventeen months when I can go (this may well be my only chance, and my first vacation in my entire adult life), and we're very attached. My daughter and I are, too, but she's three now and much more independent.

No flames... I'm just asking: Should I go? I know I'll miss them, but I do want to, and taking them is impossible. On the other hand, I'm scared half senseless that it'll upset them.

Advice?

Answer 1

You sound like a wonderful, wonderful Mom, and grandparents are wonderful people also.

My all means go, It is not that long, And you can call them on

the phone.

Their father will be there also....you have it covered.

I know you will miss them, like I did mine, just to go out to dinner.........

The children are young now, you have the chance...yes you

should go.

The kids will be okay when you return.

We worry more than the kids do.

Have a wonderful time, and do take that vacation..first one...

My oh my.  Yes go.

You will even feel more refreshed when you get back.

Answer 2

Honey! Go! You deserve this! Your little co-sleeper will just have to snuggle with Daddy, they'll be fine! I am a SAHM too and I took a 4 day vacation when my first one was 1 year. I needed it! You have to nurture this part of you - it will help you be a better mom. I love your 'mother-guilt' "I love my children deeply..." As if you need to justify wanting some time away! It is OK - have fun! They will be fine - Daddy and them will get on like a house on fire - you go! Missy!

Answer 3

Originally I was going to be the lone dissenter and say that its still a little too early for the one year old. But, when i re-read its with daddy, not just the wonderful grandparents.  I changed my mind.  Daddy time is precious.  I have wonderful memories of being with my dad (he made different yummy food! )   when mom went away a couple times.  

Go for it!

You'll re-charge your batteries, and it will further bond daddy and kiddos.

Answer 4

We  have 3 kids-18,15 &10...and now am raising our granddaughter who is 1.Every yr. since weve been married (20yrs.)My husband and I go on a vacation for a weekend.My kids stay with my parents.I miss my kids alot,but,We need this time away.I would love to go on a trip with a friend or even by myself just to get away,but to take  a trip like you want to is a once in a lifetime deal.You would be a fool not to.

Answer 5

GO!!!!!  The first time I left my kids for a week terrified me!  I knew they would be well taken care with (they were with their dad), but I knew how much I would miss them and how much they needed me.  Boy was I wrong!!!!  I did miss them.  Thought about them all the time, called them every night.  They,however, didn't need me.  They were having a blast.  Their dad spoiled them, my parents spoiled them and I honestly think they enjoyed the break from me!  When I came back, I was refreshed, had more energy, was relaxed and enjoyed my children so much more!!  Every good mom deserves a good vacation!!  Go!!  Have fun!!!

Answer 6

just go they will be ok

call them every night to say good night

my hubby is military so leaving for a week is really nothing to me

my hubby leaves for months at a time and our 3 yr old takes it pretty well the first few weeks

if she can do it for 4 months your kids and you can do it for a week

honestly it will be harder on you than it will be on them

take this as time off for you and bonding time for the kids and dad

Answer 7

i think you should go. tell them you are leaving and call them each night and say good night. I would take pics to show them. maybe come home with a present for them. i think that you will have an awesome time. kids learn loss easier then you think. it might be good for them and for you if you go!

Answer 8

I would go! You really need some adult time! It gets kind of boring when your an adult and you baby talk, lol! You will miss them, but hey you will only love them more when you come back! Your not going away forever, you can call them everyday! I'm sure you trust your hubby, you married him, so he can take the mommy role for 1 week, he will also learn to appreciate you more (not saying he doesn't) but being a stay at home mommy is a hard job (sometimes we dont get credit for). I say go for it! Have a blast! Good luck!

Answer 9

I'm hearing you.  Had to make a similar decision myself and chose to go.  I cried on the plane and called myself a terrible mother.  During the first phone call home my children said a quick 'hello mummy too busy playing to talk'.  They were 4yo and 23 months.  I quickly relaxed and enjoyed my time away.  Your children are used to going to their grandparents every second weekend any way so its just a few more sleeps - they'll be fine.

Answer 10

Its totally up to you. I personally could not but I am NEVER away from my kids. if they are use to going for weekends they will be fine. No one ever helps with our kids so it would be too hard to leave them! When I had my baby 3 mos ago my older two ages 3 and 4 would not even stay at grandmas house so be thankful you have help like that on a regular basis! I won't get a adult vacation till they are older.

Answer 11

You NEED to do this, hon.  As a SAHM I'd die for the chance to go on vacation and get away.  Not only will it do you wonders mentally (I understand that you'll miss them and they you) but it will do your kids wonders also to know that Mommy isn't gone forever....just for awhile.   If you can, call often and even send a postcard the very first day so they get it while you're still on vacation to ease their nerves.  Good Luck!