Bringing a toddler to the UK for holiday

[howardcoombs]

Here is a good article detailing the facets of this issue : http://www.parenting.com/article/ask...y-for-vacation

Luckily & happily, me and my wife agree on this issue; we both believe toddlers do not belong on adult vacations and such vacations are necessary for adults to recharge their batteries.

[OlympicMummy]

Thank you, Howard. My husband has good reason to ask that we leave our daughter, with my mom and brother (they're flying in) plus helper to look after her while we're away. We've always brought her along (to the US, Thailand, Macau and Philippines) and he has seen how tired she gets and how tired we are throughout the trip. But then, a big part of me feels guilty knowing that we can bring her but for convenience, we did not :-(

My husband has now given me the ultimate choice whether to bring the little one. He says whatever makes me happy.
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

[howardcoombs]

You need to do what feels right for you, for both of you.
In our case, when our kids were toddlers, we had kid vacations (beach, water, animals) where we took the kids and we also had adult vacations for just the 2 of us. Ofcourse we missed the kids but it was also important for the parents to spend alone and adult time together.

There is no right or wrong here - just what feels appropriate for the 2 of you; I dont say 3 because the toddler will not know, will not care nor remember.

Good luck with your decision.

[shwetakhanna]

We parents generally underestimate our kids at how well they can cope in different situations. We went to Australia last month with our 4 year old, and our flight got cancelled at the last minute because of the super typhoon, and we ended up being at the airport for two nights. I was very scared at first athow she will react if she has to stay overnight at the airport, (didn't know that time that we will be at the airport for so long, expected to be there overnight) but she was so happy there. She enjoyed being at the airport more than the aus holiday. And she keeps on asking me now ,that we are back, when can we go to sleep at the airport again. And though we were not having the best of luxurieS at the airport, it is still very memorable, the holiday as well as the airport stay.
Agree with the above posters that take her along, you will always cherish those moments. If you leave her back, you will leave half heartedly and keep thinking about her all the time. You will definitely have a great family time together.

[nicolejoy]

I can see both sides, but what I would do is this: if it were just a short trip with hubby, I would have no problem leaving a little one at home (that said, I have a 4 and 2 year old and we've only been away from them for one night - not counting the time I was in hospital giving birth to the 2nd one). It it were a week or more, I personally would want it to be a family vacation with the little ones as well. Ultimately it's up to you guys and what works for your family though.

[mummymoo]

Yes I can see both sides too but I could never leave my children behind. I think even when they are young they get something from being around mum and dad, and develop that sense of security (so I'd like to think anyway). My husband is always keen for an adults only weekend away but I've never been able to bring myself to go......I'd be miserable......

[carang]

mummymoo, go for a night away then! just one night in a hotel, nice dinner and then home the next morning. that's about all i can handle myself.

[mummymoo]

Carang I do leave the children when I have to go away for work (not very frequently thank goodness) BUT I don't feel like I can 'voluntarily' leave them behind and they do seem to get something out of our travels.
Definitely do go out on date nights with the hubs, but never stayed overnight.....perhaps I'm just a homebody......