Getting Away without kids?

[lg3]

For dh & I it isn't an issue - we have absolutely no one to watch DD (almost4). We don't have much family still left, and the few there are couldn't do it. I am honestly a bit envious of those who can, but I understand that is how life goes sometimes. A tough issue for certain.

 

[Dawn414]

My DH and I are fortunate that we have family that can watch the kids...begging usually helps...they're about 2 hours away. Of course, they're 4 (twins) so not yet in school. Once they're in school, that might present more of a problem. The biggest 'trips' we did without them were a long weekend in Vegas (definitely NOT for kids) and a 3-night cruise (the goal was to psych up DH for the Disney cruise this April (it worked)). We've bought season passes for WDW that will be activated in April and I am (thinking) about a long weekend without the kids. I'm having a hard time making a decision on that. I think it would be great to be able to go to the parks and do the adult things without having to worry about baby swap, leaving the park for naps and the like. But the other side of me agrees with previous posters that I may be wracked with guilt because I'm enjoying something that I know my kids would really enjoy as well. Time will tell, I suppose...We'll probably play it by ear based on time/money/guilt factor!

Dawn

 

[mericletwins]

We are in the same situation. We also would probably go on vacation but have never had the luxury of family to leave them with.

Ditto to this. We would go away in a heartbeat if we had someone who would take the kids. I wouldn't care if it was for two nights or seven, I would go. I know the kids would be fine. I agree with the poster about catering to children and the possible link between becoming self-absorbed. I teach eighth grade and I see it every day. Kids are handed too much and don't have to work/wait for much of anything and I think that they have too much input in to decisions that are best made by the parents.

I don't think wanting to "get away" has anything to do with having bad kids, or a terrible family. I believe "getting away" from your kids is just as healthy for them as it is for the adults.

As to the part about going with out kids to WDW, I would do it. I might feel a twinge of guilt, but I would love to go to the F&W Festival w/o kids and take my time walking around eating and drinking!

 

[disneymomof6]

we have 6 kids and parents that have been wonderful and have allowed my husband and I a vacation once a year away from our kids.

We went to WDW before ever taking the kids there and although I had a wonderful time and enjoyed it... when I was watching the fireworks at MK I cried because I missed my kids and knew how much they would love it... I took them the following year.... BUT I was glad I went because I was more prepared. We have gone to jamaica, mexico, bahamas, cruises and what not.... It isnt so much to get away from our kids as it is to spend time on us and our relationship. We do everything around our children that we need that time to sit back and appreciate the things that made us fall in love in the first place... not be MOM and DAD but Husband and Wife.... It is the one time of year that we can drink some drinks and not worry bout our kids, we can go places without carrying extra panties in a zip loc bag in my purse....

Nothing wrong with it, I enjoy it and im constantly reminded of the good aspects of my marriage when we take a vacation with kids... afterall I have many years when my kids are grown up... I need to see some of the benefits in it along the way.

 

[Dawn414]

It isnt so much to get away from our kids as it is to spend time on us and our relationship. We do everything around our children that we need that time to sit back and appreciate the things that made us fall in love in the first place... not be MOM and DAD but Husband and Wife.... It is the one time of year that we can drink some drinks and not worry bout our kids, we can go places without carrying extra panties in a zip loc bag in my purse....

AMEN! I brought the topic up to my husband this evening...I think he's into the idea...now it would be just a matter of WHEN (since we're going WITH the kids in April, September & November and I'm not sure that I want to be there in Jun-Aug...

Dawn

 

[DisneyPhD]

I can see that some have very strong feelings on this matter. I used to be one of those parents who could never imagine going to WDW without the kids. After all, it's a family destination. However, during our August trip (5th trip in 5 years with the 4 kids), I began to think about what it would be like if I weren't always trying to figure out what the kids all wanted to do every minute of every day. What it would be like to NOT worry about keeping everybody happy, but just do what I wanted to do. As a mother, I am always putting my kids first. That's not to say that we don't do things that I want to do on our trips. I love everything we do at Disney. I just thought it would be nice to experience Disney for myself. So, DH and I decided to take a short trip in December. Did I feel guilty about leaving the kids and going to their favorite place without them? Of course I did. I thought very carefully about how I would tell them as not to make them feel bad. I thought the best way was to have the next trip planned, so even thought they weren't going this time, they would have a trip to look forward to soon. I also think that it is important to show the kids that their parents are a couple and they like spending time with each other. It's good for our relationship as well as setting a good example for our children. We did get to do things we normally wouldn't do at Disney. We took a tour, we ate at a few places I know the kids wouldn't have enjoyed (they're picky eaters), and we walked on and off attractions without parking the stroller and lugging bags (I'm always the one doing the lugging) and making sure everyone is behaving, etc. It was really nice to enjoy some of our favorite things in Disney in a different way. Not better, just different. Of course I missed the kids terribly and thought about them constantly and was always pointing out to DH the things they would have liked while we were there. But, we had a WONDERFUL time and will definitely be going back for more adults-only trips in the future. I don't look at it as "getting away" from the kids. Rather, I look at it as "going away" to spend quality time with DH, somewhere that we enjoy. I know the OP wasn't asking specifically about Disney, but even if it's not to Disney, I would recommend going anywhere by yourselves. It's wonderful to concentrate on your relationship as husband and wife. Have fun together. Enjoy each other's company. Then go home and plan your next Disney vacation WITH the kids.

Your trip sounds great, just what I am looking forward too.

I too was one that always thought if I did get an opportunity for a vacation with out kids I wouldn't want to do it at WDW, I would miss them too much.

Well my 5 year old has been 10 times, and my 2 year old 4 times. We just got back a few days ago. We have AP's and got super great airfare to MCO. On top of it we are DVC members and got a studio at BWV during the week so the points aren't bad. So yes DH and I are leaving the girls for the very 1st time ever and going to WDW in March. We go again as a family on a DCL trip in May so I don't feel so bad about them not going.

I know I am going to miss them, but i am so looking forward to just what you described dsnymomof4. That is just what DH and I want.

So for 3 nights in March we are taking on WDW, just the 2 of us. Really it is the cheapest vacation we could get, and we know we will have a great time. Oh to ride Expedition Everest with someone, (DH no less.)

Some friends who don't have kids are coming to stay at our house to watch them. If that doesn't work SIL will take them (she lives just a few miles away.) It won't be easy to leave them, but for the 1st time since having kids, I really have a desire to take an adult only trip. After all I have enjoyed WDW with them many times, and will more later. My oldest will be almost 6 years old. The youngest 2 1/2. They both know about it, and are OK with it (the oldest more then the youngest, she can't really understand something like that until it happens, but being prepared is good.)



I think I might go a little over board on sovoniors though. We bought almost nothing this past trip.