You started out as a couple and things change when you start a family, so it’s understandable that you might feel a bit of apprehension and even guilt about the idea of leaving them behind with loved ones so you can spend some time as a couple again.
Here is a look at why you sometimes need a break from the kids and how to make it happen so that everyone is happy and has a good time.
View it as a win-win situation
You might have your eye on a stunning vacation destination like the African Pride Country House and Spa by Marriott but you might also have a nagging doubt in the back of your mind about whether it’s such a good idea to go away without the kids.
The first thing to say is that you are going to be leaving your children with someone you trust implicitly and quite often it is a loved one like the grandparents who are more than happy to have a couple of little guests stay with them.
Going away as a couple is a chance to reconnect and remind yourselves why you got together in the first place, but it is also worth remembering that you are creating valuable bonding time for your kids too.
Kids often have a special affection for their grandparents or get excited by the prospect of going somewhere different and getting looked after by someone they trust and enjoy spending time with.
Guilt is perfectly normal
You can expect to feel some or even a lot of guilt at some point about the idea of leaving your children behind and not being there for them while you are away.
You never have to be totally out of touch these days, with Skype and Facetime there to put you in touch if you really do want to see them and say goodnight to them.
The difficulty with that idea is that it can tug at your heartstrings if they are younger and get upset when they talk to you over the internet. Gauge the situation according to the age of your children and work out a plan that you are comfortable with for staying in touch or at least checking in with who is looking after them.
The main thing to remember is that they are in good hands and they are going to have a good time while you are away, so accept that there will be some guilty feelings and focus on the positives.
Raring to go again
It’s hard to beat a bit me time for giving you the time and space to appreciate all the good things going on in your life.
Spending some time away as a couple will not only give you both a chance to recharge the batteries and have some uninterrupted adult conversation, but you will return home full of energy and ready to go again.
The more you look at it the more the idea of a vacation without the kids makes sense and could do you all some good when you experience a change of scenery for a short while.
