My husband and I both work in education, which means we only have two opportunities to take a vacation: spring break and summer. Unfortunately, this is when the rest of the world also goes on vacation, and prices are ridiculous. Before having our daughter we would try and go somewhere during spring break, even if it was just for a few days to get away. We took a break from this tradition last year since our daughter was a newborn, but I want to go somewhere again this year. The decision of going somewhere or even the criteria that the location must meet (warm, pool, relaxing) aren’t the issues I’m struggling with. The problem I’m finding myself encountering is whether to travel just the two of us or bring our daughter along for the trip.
While I’ve left my daughter once in her 14 months of life for an overnight work trip, I knew she was in the care of her daddy and would be fine. She was with someone that she has spent every day with, he knows her likes and dislikes, etc. We’ve never both left her with someone else over night. In my heart I know we need a trip away for just the two of us and know she will be fine with someone else watching her over night, but I’m not sure I’m ready to leave her.
I need a break from the daily grind of motherhood, time for myself and my marriage, but a piece of me feels guilty leaving her behind. I know she wouldn’t remember the trip, but I also don’t want to miss out on making memories with her.
Life is so much fun with her around, and I (most days) enjoy spending every moment that I can with her. She’s at such a fun age right now where she is taking every thing in, and I love experiencing that all with her. Also, this is our only chance of taking her on a plane ride without having to buy a ticket. This is a big deal for our budget conscious family.
I’m also a self-described control freak, and it carries over in to the care of my child, too. I’m working on letting some of it go, but I would be thinking about what she ate, what she did, and how she acted every moment that we would be gone. Is that truly a vacation? Or would it just be easier to bring her with us?
These internal struggles are probably the reason why I haven’t bitten the bullet and booked a trip. I want to take a vacation, especially before we have another child, but I’m struggling with the emotions of it all.
I am totally not trying to fearmonger, but you mentioned flying without buying a separate ticket for your daughter. Just something (okay, several things) for you to keep in mind when making that decision. It seems small and inconsequential, but it is definitely NOT.
http://www.peanutmom.com/2015/why-ill-always-buy-an-extra-seat.php
Thank you! I actually have seen and thought about that info as well. Good info for everyone to know in case the worst would happen–have to protect our babies!
Just do it! My husband and I take a trip just the two of us every year and leave our three kids in the care of grandma. They have fun, we have fun and we’re excited to see each other again! Plus, I want to model for my kids that we take care of our relationship–which in turn makes us better parents. I hope they’ll do the same when they have a family of their own! I can’t wait to see my grandkids ice cream for breakfast! ?