OT: Any tips on preparing 3 year old for parents-only weekend getaway?

[Nom]

Hi everyone again! You all give such great advise, I wanted to ask you this one:

I just won an awards trip from work for 3 nights at Atlantis at Paradise Island in march !

I am very psyched, as this is going to be all-expenses paid in a suite for me and dh. WOW! The only thing that is making me a little nervous is that this is my first time away from dd 3. It is funny, everyone always tells us we should go away, and we had some rocky times after dd was born, so I know it would be good for us. I am just a bit nervous about how dd will do without us. I have gone on business trips, and so has dh, but we have never both gone away and left her with someone.

We are thinking she would be with my parents during the day (they already watch her all day, so that is no change for her), and with his parents at night at our house (they watch her sometimes). But does anyone have any tips about how to make this easier for her? How far out should I tell her? She always talks about pj parties, so I have been saying how cool and fun they are, but any other tips?

Thanks so much for any advise you can give!!!!!

 

[disney_family_1247]

When I had to leave my three year old son to go and have his baby sister at the hospital, I was worried. I'm a SAHM, and he'd never been away from me for more than a couple of hours. Before I left, I bought and wrapped a gift per day for his father to give him before bed every night (when he missed me the most). You might do something like that, and mention it when you tell her you are going away. It will give her something to look forward to if she's worried.

 

[puffkin]

In all honesty, she probably won't even notice

I find that we as parents worry so much about the "psychological" impact on things to our kids for no reason. They pretty much just live in their own little world. Since her basic routine will stay similar, she will probably be just fine.....except for an occasional where's mommy or daddy, she probably won't even really notice.

 

[Nom]

In all honesty, she probably won't even notice

I find that we as parents worry so much about the "psychological" impact on things to our kids for no reason. They pretty much just live in their own little world. Since her basic routine will stay similar, she will probably be just fine.....except for an occasional where's mommy or daddy, she probably won't even really notice.

That is what I'm hoping- and I know you're right. I was just saying to dh last night that we tend to obsess so much over doing the right thing with parenting... but think back on your childhood- how much do you really remember, kwim? You obsess about having a 3 night trip, but it probably won't even be a blip on her radar screen, long term (and probably not short term, either!)

Actually, probably the only impact it will have on her will be postive, in that dh and I will be even more solid after our rocky times.

Anyway thanks for your input, and if anyone has any other suggestions, please share!

 

[Magic2000]

When we leave the kids behind, it's always with either my parents or DH's parents. That helps to know they'll be well taken care of - and of course, spoiled while we're away!!

In talking to my DD though, I always talk about how much fun she will have. I don't bring up too much the fact that DH & I will be away. Sometimes, I'll buy some brownie mix or cookies that can be baked and let her know that she and Grandma will be baking cookies (or whatever your child really likes to do). Sometimes, my mom will let her know that she'll take her to McDonald's one night for dinner. If you focus more on the fun SHE will be having, it should make it easier for her (and you).

Also, we always let her know we'll be bringing back a surprise for her when we come back. I agree with everyone else though - its harder on us than it is on the kids!!!

Have a great trip!!!!

 

[brergnat]

Have your DH's parents ever done the whole "dinner/bath/bed" routine with her withOUT you and your DH home? If not, I would suggest some dry runs before you leave.

Make sure that they are familiar with her routine and have them practice a couple times between now and then (and you and DH go out to dinner or something). It will be a LOT easier on everyone if it's not a new thing for the first time and you are away from home.

I agree that you should try not to worry too much. Enjoy the opportunity and be thankful that you have people you trust that can watch her for you. It sounds like a much needed getaway for you and your DH, so make the most of it.

 

[justhat]

I'm sure she'll be fine. I'm wondering though, if it would just be easier on her to sleep with your parents, rather than stay with them all day and then go with her other grandparents at night. Might just be a little confusing to her if she's never gone from one house to the other.

That said, about the trip in general, I don't think young kids notice time so much. My daughter stayed with my mom for 2 days while my husband and I went to a job interview in Nashville and she was completely fine. I don't think she even asked about us once. She was 22 months then. I kept thinking in terms of it being 2 full days/nights, but in her mind, I think, it wasn't any different than being with my mom for a couple of hours.

 

[MSSANDRA]

I would be sure that you leave her over night with the grandparents she is most comfortable with. Leave lot of details on her routine and then try not to worry.She will have a BLAST and so will you all.