Advice needed...surprise for one child?

[phinmom]

We leave for our Disney trip next Thurs. Our dog is going to be staying with a house-sitter. She is a family friend and we don't know her too well. My 10 yo son is very attached and worries about the dog. We were hoping to surprise both of them (daughter is 4 yo) the morning of the trip. But I think we need to let him in on the surprise so he doesn't freak. Perhaps, have him meet her and discuss dog care beforehand. Advice? Not sure if he can keep the surprise after...

 

[poohfriend77]

We leave for our Disney trip next Thurs. Our dog is going to be staying with a house-sitter. She is a family friend and we don't know her too well. My 10 yo son is very attached and worries about the dog. We were hoping to surprise both of them (daughter is 4 yo) the morning of the trip. But I think we need to let him in on the surprise so he doesn't freak. Perhaps, have him meet her and discuss dog care beforehand. Advice? Not sure if he can keep the surprise after...

There's no way I'd expect my 10-year-old to keep a secret like that! Of course, mine are closer in age, so that would make a difference. She would either burst of excitement and spill it, or go the "I know something you don't know" to tease DD8. I'd just tell them both AT LEAST a day in advance to let him prepare.

If you want to keep it a surprise, could you tell him you found a dog sitter because you're going out of town for an overnight trip or something? The Disney part could still be a surprise, but he could think you're going to grandma's or on a work trip with dad, or whatever is plausible for your family. I've heard of that plan backfiring for some people, but it might give him the chance to discuss dog care and still have a surprise.

 

[Onalise]

Can you tell them the dog is going to Grandma's house to visit? Or maybe even the dog went to the doggie spa?

After you surprise your munchkins you can let your son be well aware that the dog is being taken very good care of while the family has fun and there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

 

[lucyem]

How about have the dog sitter come over and meet the family and the dog as a "just in case" we go on vacation kind of thing. Then he can meet the person and discuss dog care without knowing about the trip.

 

[luvmy2babies]

I'd make sure it is close enough to where you don't mind if your other child finds out. If he is anything like my 10 year-old, keeping that secret is going to be very difficult.

This past weekend, I got tickets to an event called "A Day Out with Thomas" which is an event at our state transportation museum. They brought in a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine and children and families got to ride a train he pulled, take pictures with him and do various "Thomas" themed activities in addition to touring the museum.

My son loves Thomas maybe even more than Mickey

I told my daughter because we'd be away the whole weekend, but I really didn't think it would be a big deal to her. I was wrong. She was almost in tears thinking about how excited her brother would be and she barely made it through the 2 days she had to keep the secret.

I like the idea the previous poster had about him meeting the sitter "just in case" or just going ahead and telling them both. It's still a surprise if you tell them a few days ahead of time. I've done it various ways. I've told the day of, the day before and 3 days ahead all for various reasons.

Have fun on your trip.

 

[MSSANDRA]

I would think up a really cool and special way to tell them both about the trip now. The revile can be just as special done now and your son can feel better about the care his pet is getting, and you don't have to lie or put your child under the stress of keeping a secret from his sister. I love the idea of balloons inside a huge box to float out when they open the lid. Maybe call it a "just because we love you gift."!!!

 

[ZehnJahren]

Maybe you can follow through with the surprise but do it for all three...

You surprise the kids the night before or the morning of, and have a special card set aside with the dog's name on it for when he asks. Have DS open the card, and it's an invitation from Mickey Mouse for the dog to enjoy a week (or however long your stay is) with the family friend who will be watching the dog (maybe something like "we know Rover doesn't like Space Mountain and wants to stay home but would be lonely by himself, so boy have we got a great surprise for him instead!). Have a list in the card of fun things they'll do: play fetch, tug of war, have great meals, play with other dogs, go on walks, etc - you get the gist. And then have a special toy or new collar or something for the pet that your son can give him as a "we're all going on vacation" present.

If you can make it as though the dog is going on a fun vacation too, maybe he will feel better. And if the family friend will do so, have them text a picture a day of the dog so that DS can see how great they're doing.

Sounds like you have a very loving little boy!

 

[bjscheel]

I would think up a really cool and special way to tell them both about the trip now. The revile can be just as special done now and your son can feel better about the care his pet is getting, and you don't have to lie or put your child under the stress of keeping a secret from his sister. I love the idea of balloons inside a huge box to float out when they open the lid. Maybe call it a "just because we love you gift."!!!

I agree with telling them now! When we surprised the kids we did it at 10 days prior. They loved it because it gave them some time to prepare mentally, pack the things they wanted, and even have a short countdown chain, but it wasn't months long waiting like usual. Some kids do not do well with day-of announcements, and if there is something you already know will be an issue, deal with it now.

 

[phinmom]

Thank you so much! Great ideas. I think we may do combo!

 

[ToddyLu]

I love the idea of letting your son get a special toy for the dog or write a list of things he thinks the dog will need.

Even at 44, DH and I still fret about leaving our Jack Russell daughter at home( we do not have human children). We found a great solution a couple of years ago. His single cousin comes and house sits and stays with them. She has family in town so she is comfortable here. She also will keep my parent's standard poodle with our Jack because they are going to Disney with us. It is a win-win, we pay her very well and the dogs are comfy, loved, etc.

What a sweet fella he must be--I think a pic or text is a great idea.