Vacation without the kids?

So I am just curious to know everyone's opinion about my current dilema.
My husband and I have the opportunity to go on a 9 day cuise this coming January. My b/g twins will be two years old then, the would NOT be joining us on the cruise, it would be kinda like a second honeymoon. The kids would stay with my husband's sister (their aunt), who has a little boy as well (he'll be 18 months old in Jan.). She has babysat multiple times and they are very comfortable with her and her husband. We are planning to do multiple sleep overs in the next three months, if we go on the cruise, just so they get comfortable sleeping there.
I am still on the fence if we should go or not. I know I'll miss the kids, but more importantly I don't want them to miss us so much that they develope some sort of attachment problem. I am thinking too much, but I would love to know if anyone of you have left your kiddos at this age? Do you think they are old enought to grasp the idea that we aren't going to be gone forever? And would you do it if you had the chance given my situation? Thanks so much, I really appreciate everyone's input!

Ashley

 

I've gone away 3 times since my twins were born and it was great to be able to get away. The first time I left them they were only a few months old, but needed a break badly.
I'll admit I missed them ALOT and couldnt wait to get back to them !
I think as long as you have someone whom you trust completely and feel safe with, then take advantage of a vacation without the little ones. You'll be glad you did.

 

Well, I personally would not want to do it. But I can certainly understand others wanting to do it, and think it is great.

Here are a few reasons why I would not: 1) I personally feel that 2 years old is too young to leave them for that length of time. 2) I think that is a LOT of work for a caregiver (I think that nine days is a long time to expect my parents to watch the kids).

My DH and I are currently trying to figure out how to get away for a bit for our upcoming 10 year anniversary. We are looking at maybe 3 nights max.

 

Ashley! I would TOTALLY go!! It's a wonderful opportunity for you and your husband to have some great quality time together!! They'll be fine and be SO happy to see you again!!!

 

Personal choice.

DH and I are going away for our first getaway in three-plus years without the girls and it's just a weekend in Toronto -- can't wait. Don't know if I could go longer (or earlier) myself!

But it sounds like a great opportunity. If it feels right for you, take it!

ETA: I don't think they'd develop an attachment problem because of it. I'm sure they are more resilient than that!

 

I agree its a personal choice. I would personally love to get away, but I could not do it for 9 days. Thats just me. We now have a vacation ownership program with Wyndham, and could easily get away if we wanted, but I would like to wait until my kids are older to be gone for more than a weekend.

If you have this great opp (cruises are awesome!!!), and you are comfortable with thier care, and okay with it, then go! I think spending time alone with your DH is a necessary thing...

Good luck with what you decide!

PS~ If you tell me what cruise, and cruise line, I can give you feedback if you like, as I used to be a TA pre-mommy.

 

We left our boys for the first time last week and were away from thurs to sun. It was so nice to get away. We had a blast! I know that is only half the time you plan to be away but I saw go for it!!! Have fun! If you feel comfortable with their aunt, then that is great! You wil be able to enjoy yourself even more. My parents went on vacation without us every year in the summer for about 10 days and we stayed with out grandparents. We always looked forward to that special time with them!

 

Thanks for all your posts, my husband and I still have a lot to think over.

Mandi, as far as the cruise line, we would be cruising on NCL's Jewel to the southern caribbean. We have been on the Jewel previously on an eastern caribbean cruise. We had a blast. The kiddos and 10 other family member's went on that one. We went last Jan.

 

DH and I just got back 2 weeks ago from 7 days in Hawaii - my twinks are 16 mos old and stayed with my parents for the week...it was a wonderful break and they have no attachment issues (well none that developed from us leaving)....in fact when DH and I walked in the door from the airport they looked at us like "oh your back" and went back to watching Sesame Street LOL...

if you're comfortable and the caregivers are comfortable then go for it...I know my parents won't do it again any time soon for us so we took the opportunity when we could...

 

go go go.

 

I agree its personal choice. And for us we DO IT! DH and I have always been travelers and share a big passion for it. We have taken at least 2-3 trips/year without our kidos since they have been 8 months old(ranging from long weekends to a whole week). In our situation, my parents or my DH's watch the kids...so we feel that they couldn't be in ANY better hands.

While we miss our boys, we truly enjoy the time alone and it really is a recharge of romance. Its priceless relationship time together....with no distractions. Since our kids are SO enamored with their grandparents, they are very happy and comfortable staying with them. It becomes a vacation for them as well. Their grandparents take them to all kind of fun things while we are gone. No seperation issues and no post traumatic stress symdrome....or anything like that with the kids. I have no guilt in leaving them, since in being a SAHM, I am with them 24/7. If I worked, I would likely feel very differently.

For my 40th b-day next year, we are in the midst of planning a trip to Italy. We are thinking that 9 days is likely are cut off in time away. Go with your gut... you know what works best for your individual family.

 

i would go - your children will not develop any separation problems - they have no concept of time - they have no idea what 9 days is. If their Aunt is willing, I would go for it.

We went on a 6 day cruise to Bermuda in June. My twins were 1 and my son was 3 1/2. My Mom and sister came to watch them. The kids loved and had no issue with us when we returned -

I would go - when will you get this chance again