https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 14 May 2026 14:15:41 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2472014 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 21:13:24 +0000 Lighthouse 2472014@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just wanted to give an update: we decided to go ahead and make this a kid-free vacation! I'm still a little nervous about it but, as much as I'll miss them, they will be in good hands as many of you stated. My husband and I will definitely make the most of this trip - so excited! Thanks to all of you for your encouragement! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2465272 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 23:01:05 +0000 sapphire 2465272@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Definitely old enough at those ages! Go! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2465262 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 22:39:22 +0000 Paul 2465262@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I say stop being practical and go have a wonderful time. I think time away from kids is important and healthy for marriage. Equally so, your kids get an opportunity to have solo time with grandparents. A win-win situation. Enjoy! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2465218 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 21:50:05 +0000 MrsSRS 2465218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Three (and definitely five) is old enough to understand that you are coming back and to use a countdown calendar to know when, and that would be my concern, so I would go for it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2465134 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 20:32:45 +0000 Lighthouse 2465134@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You guys are doing a great job at getting me excited about a grownup getaway! </p> <p>In regards to trial runs, unfortunately we won't be able to swing that because we live a few hours away from our parents so it would be difficult logistically to do before trip. </p> <p>The other twist is that we were thinking about taking the kids to Disney World sometime in the next year so we were thinking if we brought them we could extend the trip to include a few days there, although Orlando is a few hours drive away. Would that be trying to squeeze too much in? We've never taken the kids to Disney so I'm not sure how much planning it requires with the trip being about a month away. Maybe I need to stop trying to be so practical in terms of timing, scheduling, and $ and just enjoy.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2464605 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 13:50:49 +0000 Mommy Finger 2464605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We left our DS with my childless best friend when he was 14 mo to go to Mexico for 5 days for my brother's wedding. I was a little hesitant b/c he didn't know her very well at the time and she wasn't used to spending that much time with a toddler but they had so much fun together! And it was great to get away!</p> <p>We already have 2 out of town weddings planned for this year and we'll leave the boys with my parents. They will be almost 4 and 1. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2464127 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 09:07:40 +0000 catlady 2464127@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You should definitely do it. We took our first weekend away from LO last month (she is almost 2.5) and it was amazing. Plus, she apparently had so much fun at grandma's house that she didn't even ask for us until the morning of the day we came back. She still talks about her "sleepover" and my MIL loved it. It was good for everyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2464118 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 09:04:46 +0000 regberadaisy 2464118@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Free and grandparents will watch them? Can we switch spots if you don't want to go?</p> <p>But seriously, I would feel the same but... Doooooo iiittttt. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2464115 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 09:03:55 +0000 snowjewelz 2464115@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I understand how you feel! I'm totally the one that's always like yes do it when I reply to posts like these! But when it comes to me, I rarely even want to go out at night and have my mom put DD to bed! </p> <p>But seeing that the trip is freaking FREE, I think I would just tell myself I cannot let this opportunity pass. </p> <p>How far away is this trip? If I go, I'd start implementing things now that may make night time easier? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2464078 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 08:46:52 +0000 erinbaderin 2464078@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's funny, because my brain says "Totally go! Take a break!" but I would feel the same way as you, I think. My son is 2 and I'm about to have #2 and my biggest stress about it is being away from him for a night. I agree with the person who suggested you try a practice night and see how they do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2463981 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 02:44:21 +0000 lamariniere 2463981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it sounds like a great opportunity and 3-4 nights isn't that long! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2463885 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 22:13:07 +0000 yin 2463885@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We left LO1 for a week with my sister when he was 2 years old. He did surprisingly well. I was most worried about his health since he has food allergies. I made all of his meals in advance and made sure to educate my sisters. </p> <p>More recently we went away for two nights. My kids are 4.5 years old and 2 years old. Both did well and didn't skip a beat. They love spending time at my in-law's house, and it was just a big sleepover for them. Also it helps that they have each other. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2463878 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 22:09:28 +0000 catomd00 2463878@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It was really he's leaving DD for the first time overnight with my husband around 18 months and again the first time with my Inlaws around the same time! But each time got easier and easier. I've only done it a few times for 2 nights max but it's really nice to get away! Could you do 1 or 2 shorter overnights before then t get everyone comfortable? My husband and I want to get away for a longer vacation once #2 is done nursing (still a ways off since she's not even here yet!) and I already know it will be hard on me. But I think you'll have so much fun and it will be great for everyone! Worst case scenario, you come home early! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2463877 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 22:08:33 +0000 Jess1483 2463877@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Lighthouse: Can you plan a couple "practice" nights away so they get used to it? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2463876 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 22:07:15 +0000 Lighthouse 2463876@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You know, the funny thing is, I would totally have responded the same way if someone else had posted this question! Which is why I'm surprised at how hard this decision is. I think I would be okay if I knew my kids were okay at night, but thinking about them crying at night for me is what is breaking my heart. You're right though...They are old enough to understand that we will be back...</p> <p>@Foodnerd81 - we'd be gone for about 3-4 nights. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2463873 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 22:03:44 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 2463873@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh my gosh, go! They are totally old enough to understand. Go, go, go! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2463872 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 22:02:28 +0000 meganmp 2463872@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Leave them, for sure. We went to Mexico for a week when my twins were 16 months- best decision ever. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2463870 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 22:00:38 +0000 blackbird 2463870@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh I would for sure leave them lol. They'd probably adjust, too. I feel like age is old enough to get it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2463868 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 21:59:47 +0000 Foodnerd81 2463868@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How long of a trip, and how far away? </p> <p>I would go. They will be with people they know and trust, and it will be a good learning and bonding experience to stay with their grandparents. And it will be amazing for you guys! 3 and 5 I think is old enough to understand that you are going away but will come back. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2463867 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 21:58:34 +0000 Jess1483 2463867@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DO IT!!!</p> <p>My kiddos are 7 months and 3, and you can bet that I'll be taking a vacation as soon as LO2 is done nursing. They are super comfortable with my parents, so that helps me feel great about it (my 3 year-old never asks for us when he spends the night, and I'm sure the baby will be the same). But really, I would totally do it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nervous-about-leaving-the-kids-for-the-first-time#post-2463864 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 21:56:13 +0000 Lighthouse 2463864@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband and I have the opportunity to go on an all-expense paid trip (five star hotel, warm location, on the beach, etc.). We may be able to pay extra to have the kids join us (not sure yet - checking on that) but, in the meantime, we're having a hard time deciding whether we should bring them along or see if the grandparents would watch them while we take some time off. It would be our first trip away from them so I'm feeling nervous at the thought of it, but also know this is a pretty incredible opportunity. My in laws and parents have watched the kids before (they're 5 and almost 3) and the kids love it, but they tend to look for us at night - especially the younger one. At what age would you feel okay leaving the kids, knowing that they would have a hard time at night? I'm feeling a lot of mom guilt right now. Also, this sounds crazy, but I am also feeling scared about tragedy striking when both my husband and I are away - either to the kids or to us. I'm surprised at how much I'm struggling with this! WWYD? </p> <p>ETA: It might take a while for us to know for sure whether the kids can come and how involved that would be logistically, and since the trip is coming up soon we need to start considering options in the meantime. </p>