Thinking of leaving one child behind....

[disneymama73]

Awwww, I hope you decide to take him! We have three little girls. We have taken our kids 7 times so far, and our oldest is 5. They have gone at 3 mos, 4 mos, 6 mos, 10 mos, 16 mos, 2 yrs, 3 yrs, 4 yrs and 5 yrs. I have to really say that our favorite trips were when our second child was 10 mos (the oldest was almost 3) and when we took our first child at 16 mos. We were just watching all of the old videos last night, and they are amazing to watch! On our last trip, our youngest was 3 mos, and she had a ball! She loved the shows and the characters and the rides.

But that's MY magic. I can't imagine leaving one of my children behind. I would rather not go. We are going again in June when the girls will be 6, 4 and 11 mos. We can't wait. ANY child can slow you down. I just have never thought of it that way. My husband and I work as a team. "OK, you get the Fast Passes while I change the baby's diaper." And by the time I'm done with the diaper, he's got the Fast Passes, and on we go.

Ultimately, it's your decision, but you did ask. I don't think you're a bad parent. I just have extremely different feelings about the situation than you do.

Michele

 

[momlvsdsny]

I can see where you might be concerned, and all I can say is what my experience was and hope it helps some. Our last trip to Disney, we were only a family of 5 now we are 6. My youngest at the time was 3 1/2 months old. Our other two were 4 & 6 years old. While my youngest doesnt remember being there, he was part of the family pictures of the vacation. Each park has a special place for babies, and the set ups are fantastic. When we needed one of us to go take care of the little one, or just to get out of the sun for a bit, the other stayed with our other two. I dont think it took away from our vacation, we just had to juggle a little bit during feeding times, rest breaks etc. But everyone is different, and if you feel your little one is just not ready for this, then dont feel guilty about leaving him. But I think there are things even the little ones would find exciting even at that age.

 

[Bunch24]

Do like we're doing and take the grandparents along too.

But seriously, I just couldn't see myself having a Disney trip minus my child(ren). I've never been to Disney with my little boy (who'll be two when we go in December), but I don't think I could spend all that time there without him experiencing it with me.

Disney is all about family, and if you don't have your family with you to share it, it seems like it's not complete.

Whatever you choose will be the right decision, because it's your decision. But if you're asking my opinion. Bring the little one along.

 

[dtsaos]

I'm a SAHM too and I wouldn't dream of leaving any of my children behind for a trip to WDW. It wouldn't feel right and it just wouldn't happen. Our younger DD started her Disney trips at age 1 and my older DD started hers at age 2. They were magical trips.

I could possibly be convinced to leave my children (both of them) behind when they get a bit older to go to a non-family type place but not Disney.

I also could never leave one child behind on a family vacation and bring another. Just couldn't do it.

To each their own.

Ditto

 

[cbusby]

If I had to leave my child behind I wouldn't go.................

 

[tbelfonti]

This is just my opinion.

Will the younger child be taken to Disney at some point in the future while the older child stays home? How will the younger child feel when s/he's older and sees the pictures from this trip? "Where was I mom?"

I couldn't leave my younger DD home. We're a family and we travel together. Plus I'm a paranoid flyer and I would be worried about something happening and leaving that child behind...

Then again, my oldest travelled to WDW with her grandparents last fall while DH and I stayed home with the baby - but then again, the baby was recovering from heart and stomach surgery and couldn't have travelled at that time. I was a nervous wreck thinking about how almost my entire family was on that plane (parents, sister and her family and my DD).

 

[kasia]

Hi Beth,

Whatever you decide I am sure you will have a magical time & your little one will be fine at home. I also undertsnad that there is a big difference between 5 & 18 months.

I am off in 10 days with my 2 1/2 year old & 14 month old (& can't wait). As I'm from the UK I didn't even consider leaving Lydia (the little one) at home.... I would miss her far too much.

Also, last year I went to a little park a few hours from us with my then 20 month old son - a toddler theme park (no where near like Disney - you Amercians are soo lucky to have 2 & Eurodisney isn't the same -don't get me on about the French LOL!). Seeing him on all the little rides was amazing - it's what got me thinking about WDW this year. I guess what I'm saying is maybe that you may have more fun with all the family - it would be awful to get there & spend the whole holiday wishing your 18 month old was with you?

Have a lovely holiday whatever you decide!

 

[LMC]

I thought this was put to bed in February.

 

[alecam]

I thought this was put to bed in February.

It's like the Energizer Bunny..........

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

You should take him. My son was 9 months when we first took him. I was skeptical, too, but he LOVED it. You will be amazed at how much he enjoys it. My son went on most rides with us, with the exception of the mountains, TOT and TT. Don't forget about baby swap, too! Plus, when you see other toddlers his age, you will regret not bringing him. We are going back in July and he will be 18 months then!

 

[stemikger]

It definitely will not make you a bad parent. It really is a matter of practicality. If you think it would be less stressful and you wouldn't miss him too much then go for it. I personally couldn't do it becuase I would miss the other child too much and I wouldn't be able to enjoy myself. Having said that everyone is different and if you can go with a clear head and enjoy the trip more then I say whatever you decide does not having any bearing on whether you are a good or bad parent.

Good Luck.