Not taking all the kids?

[livie1205]

we have done this...not by choice, the year befor last my dss7 had to stay home because he got sick 1 day befor we left....so he stayed with his mom and dh and ds went....then last year my ds8 stayed behind because of his bad behavior (he had plenty of chances) but we are all going in 12 days me, dh, ds9,dss8 and dd1....cant wait.next year just dh and dd1 and i will go...the other kids will be with their other parents for vacation time and they have both been with us alone and had all the att.

 

[Zoemakes5]

I was looking into a Disney trip last year to DL for my younger DD's b-day--her fourth. It would have been a mommy and DD trip, only. I talked to the boys, and they were perfectly fine with that. We ended up not going because I just couldn't get a decent flight price. We've taken just the boys, I've taken just DD and we've also just taken the one who had an interest before. As long as everyone gets their shot, their time, I think it's good.
So, I don't think that taking just one or maybe just two, on theory, is wrong. And, I have to add that I think too often these days kids equate the privilege of doing something as their right to do it. Disney would be one of them. I'd have no trouble (well, I'd feel bad, but I'd still do it) leaving a child home IF they were having troubles that I thought were serious enough, AND they were warned. I wouldn't plan it to begin with leaving the child at home. OR, it could be one of those situations where "you can go IF" and then the ones that complete the "IF" get to go.
In the situation you're describing, I would not take two and leave one. I would, perhaps bring one (either the little one--she'll still get the magic and it's even more magical when it's only one OR the oldest one--he has so little time at home left) or make it adult only.
I'd also have no trouble going with just my DH. I'm of a mind that spending time alone as a couple is extremely important in a relationship. We'll go away for a weekend on a yearly or 2x yearly basis. My parents typically take the kids. It's wonderful! We miss the kids, but I would definitely do it. One of my "goals" in the next couple of years is to get my DH down to WDW for the food and wine festival, and frankly, I don't want my kids there! I'd like to walk around WDW holding hands, enjoying wine. Have a meal that didn't include entertaining my kids or kid friendly atmosphere. Sleep until when I wanted to and stay up and watch whatever I wanted to on the tv as late as I wanted to. Wow, I'm already dreaming it! Calgon (or Mickey) take me away!!!
It might be a very nice trip with just you and your sis. Take a long weekend, get some great resies and have a girls' trip! That would be my suggestion!

 

[wdwdreamin2]

I gotta go with all or none!!

How fun to just be the two of you, though??!!!

I would love to go just with Sis In Law!!!

 

[disneydancer1969]

don't take the 15 year old. but tell her that she will get her own special trip once you get back.

 

[I Love Pluto]

Children cannot understand why you love the oldest one more. After all, you DID take the oldest to Disney and not them.

No, I'd stay far away from that decision. All of them - or nothing.

 

[hollyb]

The day you start putting other people in front of your own children is a very sad day. NO WAY would we leave any child home for our own selfish reasons.

 

[MiniGirl]

Wow!!! I'm not sure what to say. My own thoughts in general are sure leave the kid, but make sure she gets her own special something either before or after the trip. However, I though it was because she really didn't like WDW or something. After you explained it more, I'm inclined to say take her. Personally, I'd leave all the kiddos at home and just go with my sis -- if I had one. What fun that would be!?!?!
I'm also going to put my flame suit on but I don't think you would be selfish for leaving the kids at home and doing something for yourself -- without them. My dh and I have made several day trips to WDW without our kids (7 & 4), and guess what...... it is great -- for all of us. My dh and I can play and have fun doing what we want to do together and my kids have fun, too. We don't leave them with a sitter very much, but they have fun when we do. They get to order pizza and go to the video store and stay up late and do things they don't get to do on a regular basis. I also took my oldest on a day trip to MK without the other last year. She started Kindergarten and had a few days off because of the testing that is done for all students entering K. So off we went. My youngest enjoyed a special day out with daddy. Next year my youngest enters K and will have a few days off -- again because of the testing. Guess what? I'm already planning on taking her without the oldest, and I don't think that makes me a terrible parent -- or selfish or irresponsible. I routinely take 1 of my girls out for some special alone time. Neither of them resents it because each knows she'll have her turn, too. I can always tell when I need a "date" with one of my girls. They get cranky when they don't get time away from each other. I also feel compelled to add they do adore each other and I get many comments about how loving they are to each other, so I really do not see any resentment whatsoever in leaving 1 or the other at home from time to time.

 

[tjmw2727]

The day you start putting other people in front of your own children is a very sad day. NO WAY would we leave any child home for our own selfish reasons.

Ummm they are not even her children but her neices. Perhaps reading the post would be appropriate??

The OP has already agreed that it is all the kids or just her and her sister, no need to pile on the guilt.

TJ

 

[AlleyKat]

The OP has already agreed that it is all the kids or just her and her sister, no need to pile on the guilt. TJ

AMEN!

 

[mjantz]

I've considered doing a 'Just girls' trip with DD & possibly my mom but I'd only do it if my DH & DS we're going to do a similar trip just them. I'd never want DS to feel like his sister got to have all the fun while he stayed at home.
AFA leaving the kids & doing just an adult trip, I think its important for kids to know that Mom & Dad can go away for awhile & they will come back & you will be well taken care of while they are gone. We don't leave our kids terribly often but we do about once a month to see a movie & they are usually left with grandparents & sometimes a babysitter. But I would *never* put my plans ahead of their safety & well-being & if we can't find a sitter, we don't go or reschedule.

 

[almburr]

we have left some of our kids behind, trip one we went in Agust(never do that again) it was me DH DD11 DD7 DC her DH and kids DS11 DS10 DD7 and Aunt. We left our 3 younger ones with grandma and granddad DS5 DD3 and DS1. I am so glag we did it was way to hot for the little ones and we rode all the big rides. Also we got to go and spend time with the older 2 they need a lot of attention just like little one. Plus it means we got to go again, and we did. We took DS6 and DD4 and they had a blast HM and POTC over and over. Kids are upset at baby brother though. He will get to go by himself when he is 4. (but we might just take them all on thst trip) So to sum it up I have no problem leaving a few at home they will get their turn to.

 

[Blondy876]

I am taking my oldest dd in January, she is 7. My youngest is 2 and my dh and I plan to take another family trip to WDW when she is 4 or 5. Then the baby will get a mother/daughter trip too once she is older. I think it is a great opportunity for me to bond one on one with each of my girls.