Parents of three kids... can I have your opinion please?

[twinmomplus2new]

I have 4 kids 17,9,3,and 3. They definately are not interested in the same things. But we go together as a family. I also travel as a single mom with them. But am fortunate to have relatives that come with us. 90% of the time we are just us. But when We do split up.... a relative, Auntie or Nana will often go one way with ds9 or dd 17. The little guys stay with mom. So far noone has volunteered to chase them at a park for me.

The value of the time alone I agree is wonderful. But I agree with a prior poster. I would do things closer to home like, Maybe 6 flags for your DS. and maybe a sesame place type thing with the girls?

This December will be the first time DD17, will not travel with us. She is staying home with her Uncle as she doesn't want to miss school.. She is 17 and I still, am not fond of all of us being on a plane except for her. And she is alot older than your guys.

Good luck, With whatever you decide!

 

[TIGGERSMOM]

I would do every other year as a family, if DH would go along.

Maybe when they are older do a short Mommy trip but for the next few years do the family thing.

 

[zakatak]

Thanks again... the more I think about it, and read your opinions, and talk to my dh... I think I will do the family thing. I just can't see only one of my kids getting excited without the others. Although it would be great, I think I will extend the biyearly trips to 9-10 days and do special things down there while we are all there (like mouseboats with my son, or princess breakfasts with my dds).

Maybe I will do the special age 10 trip with each of them, then it will be only once and they have it too look forward to.

Sometimes it just seems that I don't get to see them as individuals, rather than how they act with each other. They are so different when they are one-on-one with me!

Thanks!

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by bekkiz
You could make it an age based trip. That way you're not stuck each year, kids don't feel left out, and they have something to look forward to. You could say, you get a "mommy&me" trip for your eighth birhday. In the off years, plan a trip with your best friend!

I like this idea best!

 

[BrerMom]

I remember being concerned whether the kids were going to be disappointed that DH and I were going to WDW and not taking the three of them. For a trip as big as this, I don't think I could just take one. I'd wait until they were older and take all three...and your DH may decide to come along. I'd save the one-on-one things for something more local.

Last summer, DD (#1) and I went to a three day Christian concert. We had a fabulous time. It was a great bonding experience. I wanted to make sure she and I had a chance to connect and talk alone before she hit the teens. That said, she mentioned more than once that it was so fun and that she was disappointed that her brother (#2) couldn't be there to enjoy it, also. We're planning to go again next summer, but DS will be coming with us. It's not something DS4 (will be five this summer) would want to do for three days, so we'll wait until he's older.

 

[Carl]

One thing you have to consider is how time is for kids. A year is an eternity - let alone 3 years. Time passes much faster for us as adults. I do not think they would like to wait year for the trip while another one gets to go now.

 

[winifredweasley]

it's a good idea, since you can't afford to spend all that money. but i'm a sibling of 3 and i would be jealous of the years when i ddn't get to go and the other kid did.

 

[tigercat]

I really wonder what all the fuss is about. Do kids not know how to wait their turn? Are they not being taught that not everything is about themselves? I am really worried here that kids seem to think that if they are disappointed they shouldn't have to wait their turn. When I took my oldest dgdd to Disney there was no way at the time we would take my youngest dgdd and they happen to be sisters. I talked to both of the girls and it really was no problem. The youngest thought she would like to go but knows that when she is 7 it will be her turn. It was the same with my kids. All my kids were invited to go to Florida to visit their Nana and Papa and to be taken to Disney, get a lot of new things, and generally be shown a really spoiled good time. Since we never had money it was a really exciting time. The oldest went first and the second went the next year but because of the ages of the different grandkids my son had to wait 2 years. When it was first explained to them they asked why they all couldn't go down together and I told them why and what they had to look forward to when it was their time. That was the end of it. Not one of them complained about it. I will ask my 2nd dgrdd what she thought about it today but I know at the time they just looked forward to their special turn. I will post what my dd thought, but I know they didn't say anything to me and were all excited when it was their time. If things are kept fair then there should not be any trouble. When things are not kept fair then there is trouble. If only 1 child is ever taken then I do agree that's wrong but......
tigercat

 

[Antonia]

I say take 'em all at one time or don't go. Time is fleeting.