Is It Okay for Parents to Go On Vacations Without the Kids?

As parents, you are always wishing there were more hours in a day. After all, for some reason, there are always too many tasks to do and barely enough time to finish them all! The biggest sacrifice that you probably make, however, is the amount of time you spend alone with your spouse. Parents are the backbone of every family and the relationship that Mom and Dad share is of vital importance.

Spending time together is a basic requirement in any relationship. But once kids are in the picture, there’s little time for anyone else. It is imperative that, as a couple, you make the additional effort to spend time together, keep the spark alive, and continue to share a healthy and positive relationship. A great way to do all of that is by going off on a short vacation together. It could be a simple date night, a day trip, a weekend getaway, or sometimes, a holiday that lasts a week or more. But for many parents, the thought of a vacation without the kids is an invitation for a guilt trip.

So, is it okay for parents to go off on a childless-vacation?

Why Going on a Vacation Without the Kids is Important

Yes, in spite of all the guilt that comes with the thought of leaving the kids behind and enjoying some time off with your spouse, it is something that all couples should indulge in every once in a while. There are many reasons why this alone time is important - both for the parents as well as the kids.

• For many of you, a trip without the kids entails leaving the kids with either set of grandparents. This opportunity is a great way for the kids to bond with their grandparents and spend some quality time with them.
• There is a lot that kids can learn and experience from this short separation. They may feel more responsible for their actions, as well as grow more independent. What’s more, as the kids miss you, they also learn to value your presence more!
• However short or long your trip sans the kids is, be sure to share all your experiences when you return. Kids see you in a different light and are excited to hear all your stories. Sharing details like this will help strengthen the bond that you already share.
• Family vacations are very important, and as much as possible, you try to go on as many trips together as you can. There’s no compulsion, rule, or formula that spells out how many trips you should make with the entire family in tow and how many should you take as a couple only, but it is safe to say that whenever you feel the stress of juggling everything getting to you or you are beginning to feel like you really need to focus a little more on the relationship you share with your spouse, that’s a good time to plan your trip. It could be just a day trip, going on a trek together, or anything small, but that little jaunt could go a long way in making your relationship stronger.

Taking a Trip Without the Kids – Tips

There are certain factors that could influence your decision on whether you would be comfortable going on a holiday without your precious little ones. Here are a few tips to help you with your decision making:

• The age of your kids plays an important part in whether you go on a trip without them and how long of a getaway you can afford. The younger the kids, the shorter the break should be. As they grow older, kids will be able to better handle the absence of the people they are most familiar with – you.
• The safety of your kids in your absence is of paramount importance. If you are leaving them with their grandparents, there is generally little to worry about. But if you are leaving them with a babysitter or someone else you haven’t known long, it is well worth reconsidering your trip. You are bound to be worried throughout the trip and the kids’ safety will be in question. It is always better to be safe than sorry!
• Since some amount of guilt is inevitable when leaving the kids behind, it is a great idea to plan fun activities for them in your absence. After all, why shouldn't they have some fun of their own? Simple activities like arranging some trips to the park or enrolling them in classes of some sort will keep them busy and happy.

While there are many parents who believe that every trip should be with the kids in tow, there really is no right answer to the question – should parents go on vacations without the kids? Discussing this openly with your spouse and finding out whether you will be comfortable with this option is a decision that only you can make. What works for one family may not work for another.

But always remember, a healthy and happy relationship with your spouse is important. Don’t take that for granted, and you’ll be able to strike the right balance!