Would you let your 7 year old go to WDW without you?

[3Gsandme]

If I trust my relative? Heck yes! That would be such an enriching experience for your son and his aunt. Kids get to bond with loved ones differently when Mom and Dad are gone and it's a positive thing. I'd be thrilled someone loved my kiddo so much to make an offer like that.

 

[kayemgi]

I wonder if you might consider going with the baby? I know you've said you don't want to travel with the baby, but hear me out. Your sister wants to take your son. I think that's wonderful, and you should absolutely let him go. I completely understand not wanting to miss out on the fun! Maybe you don't have to? I know it's hard to travel with a baby, but if your sister is willing to take your son without you, then you could consider it a trip where you still get to go and take part in the memories, and you can devote all the time you need to to the baby because your sister will be there to take care of your son. You might be surprised about the air travel -- airplanes are so loud, the white noise tends to put babies right to sleep! My little one fell asleep on takeoff. I was astounded! Something to consider, at least!

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I would like my daughter go. From someone who has lived far distances from family, I think it's wonderful that you all have each other close and can do these kind of things.

 

[wajones2]

If you trust them, and he wants to go - it will be very healthy for you both! If this were his very first trip to Disney, I would say NO! You should be the one to have that experience, but he has been twice already. He needs to know it is OK to have fun without you and you need to realize it is ok to miss him...I vote YES YES YES let him go to Disney. We go 3 times a year since my daughter was 3 (6 now), and if my sister offered to take her and she wouldn't miss school I would jump at the opportunity for her to go and have fun with her family.

 

[roseaster]

In that case I would absolutely let him go.

 

[KrazeeK120]

Since he's been to Disney before and it sounds like you have a great trust in your SIL to care for him while at home, I think he would probably have a lot of fun on the trip!

Also, I wouldn't hesitate to take your baby on a plane. People do it all the time.

 

[North of Mouse]

Good morning. I am new to these forums and hoping to get some different perspectives, as they seem to be a wealth of information.

Here's my dilemma: The other day my sister in law asked if she could take my son with her on vacation to WDW in the next 12 months. My immediate response was "No". When she asked why I told her because I want to go. We have a new baby and I will not be traveling with her for a few years, as I don't want to subject others on a plane to her crying. We have been to WDW twice with my son.

I am wondering if I should let sis in law take him. She watches him all summer (she is a teacher so off in summers) and several afternoons a week during the school year. She is extremely helpful filling in whenever needed for getting him to dentist appointments, sports practices, homework help and just general babysitting (for both kids). My son loves her and has no problem staying with her and sleeps over her house on a regular basis.

I am conflicted and would love to hear what others think.

Yes - my younger sister was just like that with my children, and I would have trusted her 'anywhere' with them! It would definitely be a personal situation that only you would know! If only everyone could have a 'special person' like that in their lives!!

 

[aebeauregard]

I'd let him go!! Sounds like the aunt is trustworthy and that is a great age to go. If he had never been before I could see wanting to be there for the first time, but since that's not the case I think you should do it.

 

[North of Mouse]

I wouldn't let DD go without me but I am a bit neurotic like that. I haven't left DD overnight yet either (she is 4). But when my niece was 7 we did take her to WDW and the beach without her parents and we had a blast. My brother and his ex are very hands off parents. They started leaving their daughter overnight when she was 6 weeks old. So I guess it just depends on your parenting style. Do you think your son would be ok to be away from you that long?

Also, I wouldn't hesitate to travel with a baby. DD has always traveled with us, her first trip was at 8 weeks old, and it has never been a problem.

I don't think parenting 'style' has anything to do with this situation. It's not like she would be letting him go with just anyone - nor is he anywhere close to being an infant!! This is a 'special' close sister, not an everyday thing. My sis and Mom were the 'only' ones I felt completely relaxed with occasionally leaving my children with - we, and our children had a very close relationship with them.

You make it sound like a bad thing to let a child have a little space away from you for a few nights - it's healthy with the right people - 'when' they are happy and content.

 

[Queen Lee]

Person who started this message here!

Thanks for all your replies and suggestions. I am still not sure if I am going to let him go, but I have been reading all the replies and suggestions and they have given me a lot to think about. My going and taking the baby right now is not an option, so that won't work. I definitely trust my SIL with my son (she is actually written in our will that she is guardian of both kids should something happen to us), so I do feel comfortable with her and feel he would be safe with her. I haven't told my husband about this offer his sister gave and I am not sure if he'd go for it either. I plan to talk about it with him over the weekend, as he is away on business until Friday. He is not a Disney fan so I don't know what his response will be.

Thanks again for the responses!

 

[msmama]

One thing no one has mentioned is the child.

My son wouldn't even consider going without me!! Staying overnight somewhere occasionally and babysitting often is still very different than taking a child on an extended vacation far from home (I have no idea where OP lives and how long SIL wants to go, but both things to consider as far as I'm concerned). My son even has issues going somewhere with his Dad instead of with me.

 

[Queen Lee]

One thing no one has mentioned is the child.

My son wouldn't even consider going without me!! Staying overnight somewhere occasionally and babysitting often is still very different than taking a child on an extended vacation far from home (I have no idea where OP lives and how long SIL wants to go, but both things to consider as far as I'm concerned). My son even has issues going somewhere with his Dad instead of with me.

He would have no problem going. He gone away before with his aunt for a week and had a great time. Although that was a road trip and this they would have to fly, but I don't think that would be an issue. He is used to being away from us from time to time. My parents take him away for long weekends and he always is fine.

 

[3Gsandme]

One thing no one has mentioned is the child.

My son wouldn't even consider going without me!! Staying overnight somewhere occasionally and babysitting often is still very different than taking a child on an extended vacation far from home (I have no idea where OP lives and how long SIL wants to go, but both things to consider as far as I'm concerned). My son even has issues going somewhere with his Dad instead of with me.

Mine wouldn't even wave goodbye.

 

[dragonfly57005]

If had never been there before, I would not let him.
If she wasn't used to being with him for hours at a time, I would not let him.
If she was traveling with her boyfriend who you have never met or one your gut instinct didn't like, I would not let him go.

He's been there. They are together often. I would let him go. I think it is worth sitting down with them individually and together to lay out some expectations. (Spending money etc)

How cool is it to have an aunt with the physical, emotional, and financial ability to do this. That could be some treasured memories for the two of them. None of that replaces you, but it is important sometimes to have a trusted adult in your life who isn't your parents.

 

[jevs]

It's a yes from me. He'll have a blast and what a lovely thing for your SIL to offer

 

[cyneswith]

Gut reaction to the simple question: Heck no! (DS has only stayed with my mom overnight, and only for DD's birth - as in I saw him everyday anyway, and DH spent an hour or so a day with him at home.)

Upon reading and reviewing.... You trust her, she's already had him overnight more than once, he would enjoy the time with her, it wouldn't be his first trip, and he shouldn't feel like he's missing out on things due to the baby. I'd let him go.

 

[mrsap]

I personally would not let my kids go so far away from home without me, even if I trust the person a thousand percent. Special moments like that, I'd want to be part of ...Also, I'd be constantly worried about them. That's just me though

 

[roseaster]

Can I share a little something?

I just had a baby, too. In March. This was the last one, I swear, but there is a 10 year age gap between her and the next one.

I had a hellacious pregnancy, and was on bed rest for almost 4 months.

My kids really missed out and are missing out on a lot of attention, and with a larger age gap they realize that you are frequently tied up with the baby. Also, they realize that the baby is the one everyone ooh and aahs over and comes to see.

I think something like that trip with your sister in law would be an excellent way for your son to feel special and like he was getting something special and was the center of attention for a bit.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

I don't think parenting 'style' has anything to do with this situation. It's not like she would be letting him go with just anyone - nor is he anywhere close to being an infant!! This is a 'special' close sister, not an everyday thing. My sis and Mom were the 'only' ones I felt completely relaxed with occasionally leaving my children with - we, and our children had a very close relationship with them.

You make it sound like a bad thing to let a child have a little space away from you for a few nights - it's healthy with the right people - 'when' they are happy and content.

I never said anything of the sort. I gave two examples of very different parenting styles and how my family does things our way but my brother does things differently and it turned out fine. My niece had a wonderful trip and never once got homesick, but that's because she is use to it. DD gets upset when I work a long day, so going on an overnight trip without me is not happening. Just different parenting styles, that's all.

I gave those stories to point out how very different things can be depending on how OP has raised her son up to this point. She has since updated that her son has gone on a road trip with his aunt before and was fine with being away.

OP, you are his parent. Only you can know for sure what is best for your child. Go with your instincts and don't feel guilty either way.

 

[jeepnjudy]

Mine wouldn't even wave goodbye.

This is my 2 DSs and when we call the grandparents and ask "Do the boys want to talk to me?" I hear in the background after grandma has asked "Nope, No thank you, I'm good!"