Question about sending a kid on a trip with inlaws

[Serena]

Kelsea's grandparents want to take her on a trip with them friday, to Minnesota. It'll be almost 2 weeks and she will get home in time to start school.

It's to see her cousins. I know she'll have fun there. There are six girls to have fun with.

But I know Kelsea. After a couple days she needs to be home and with me. And this is the week before school starts, she wants to have fun with her friends and be lazy and sleep.

I told her I wouldn't make her go, but then she told me she'd go if I wanted her to.
I'm not sure if my feelings are coloring hers. One moment she wants to go, other's she wants to stay home.

I also know that she worries about me. She's worried that I'll be lonely here without her.
The poor kid is just like me, she worries too much.

What would you do?

 

[clh2]

2 weeks is a really long time. Any chance they could shorten it up to a week?
In my opinion - this is one of my mom theories - children adjust better to school if they are at home the week before school, in their own beds, getting to bed at the regular school night time.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Sounds like she needs you to say NO for her. (hint, hint)

2 weeks is a long time to be gone right before school starts.

 

[Serena]

I know. They won't shorten it though.

 

[auntpolly]

How old is she? At a certain age they are just ready, and should be encouraged to make these decisions for themselves. Try to make sure she isn't staying home just for you, but at the same try to get her to think about what she really wants. (We women should start learning how to do this early (saying "no" to things you don't want to do) -- I never learned until I was in my 30's!!!

 

[Pop Daddy]

she wont have fun but ya got to let her go now

 

[auntpolly]

Originally posted by Pop Daddy
she wont have fun but ya got to let her go now

He's probably right at this point -- you don't want an in-law war on your hands!

 

[onecoolmama]

Here are two questions you should have her answer. If she wants to come home, is there anyway she can get home. In other words, will she be able to fly home if she needs to, or will anyone be willing to take her home.

The other is, what will she do if she doesnt go?


Have her write down all the pros and cons. It might seem really silly to do this, but use this as a HUGE learning expirience. Try to help her come to the best decision for her, then go with it.

Like PD said, if she decides that she wants to go, you have to let her. She will deal with the consequences good or bad, of her deicison.

It really is and excellent learning opportunity. Use it!


And good luck

 

[Serena]

Ok, I've figured something out. One of the things she mentioned was having to listen to awful music on the ride. I think I will bribe her with a new cd player and some music. If she still doesn't want to go, then I won't make her. If she's ok with it, then off she goes.

I can't afford to fly her back home if she gets homesick. Yeah, if she was hurt, or sick, I'd be there and bring her home, but not because she just wants to be home.
No one would be willing to bring her home early. I know that already. That's her grandparents and they really don't take children's feelings into account much.

The relatives she is visiting are good parents. They'll take care of her and she'll have fun. It'll just be it's so long and the long car rides with the grandparents going back and forth.

 

[Serena]

Well, I found something out today. I asked her what she needed for the trip, I started acting like it is a done deal, that she's going. And, she seems fine with it.
She was just worried about me and didn't want to leave me if I didn't want her to go.


Now for some mommy and daughter time. Tickle fest and the rest of the trilogy of Lord of the Rings.

 

[onecoolmama]

I am glad it is all going to work out. It sounds like she is going to have a great time with all the girls.