I was reading Amanda’s blog over at Mamma Mia the other day and she was talking about the reactions she got from people when she mentioned that she was leaving her daughter with her parents for a week. She got responses like, “Wow, you must really trust your parents,” as well as people who seemed amazed that she could be away from her daughter for that long.
Seriously? Are people really that protective of their kids that staying with Grandma and Grandpa for awhile becomes too much of a stretch?
I understand separation anxiety. I’ve experienced plenty of it myself, especially because the kids’ grandma has always loved to take them for pretty decent stretches at a time. I used to really struggle with them being gone, but it has happened so many times now that I don’t really think twice about it. It’s good for everyone — the kids get quality time with their grandparents and absolutely LOVE going there and I get some much-needed time off. I don’t see any negative in this picture.
Since I’m headed to a convention tomorrow, I dropped the kids off at their grandparents’ house this evening, gave them all a kiss and hug, and left without so much as a tear on either side. Sure, I’ll miss them, and I’m betting they’ll miss me too (after a few days, anyway), but my experience has shown time and time again that getting a break makes me appreciate them all that much more when I get them back.
Suffice it to say that I don’t see the big deal about leaving kids with their grandparents. Some of my very best memories are of times I spent at my grandparents’ houses for extended periods. Those relationships are important too, not just the relationships with Mom and Dad.
Might I also add that my own kids better be just as willing to let their kids stay with me or there’s going to be trouble! I jest, but seriously, I can’t think of anything much nicer than having your grandkids stay for awhile.
Have you left the kids with their grandparents for any extended period of time? How did you feel about it? How did they feel? Was it a postive or negative experience?
I wish!! We have left the kids at home and gone away for two weekends. Once, they were in the capable hands of my sister-in-law and her boyfriend, the second time they were with my mother- and father-in-law. It was lovely, and I truly didn’t worry about them.
I would love it if they were either old enough that we could ship them off to the grandparents’, or if either set of grandparents actually lived in the same state and regular getaways were possible. There’s motivation to move back to Illinois, right there!
I have been really lucky in that my parents have always been pretty willing to take the boys, all 4 of them. Of course I miss them, I think that is the best part! I am so excited to see them when I get back, and them me. As a full time stay at home homeschooling mamma, I need a break some times. Now that we live over 4 hours a way, My parents have offered to take each child (except the youngest who is only 1 1/2) for a week at a time. My five year old is being picked up by auntie this weekend. He is thrilled! It’s not as much of a break as all four at once, but you would be amazed at how different it is with just one less! He counts down the days until he goes to Massachusetts, at least once per day. I don’t see any sense in being a martyr. I Spend plenty of time with my boys and a break is a good thing for everyone!
I think a lot of people unfortunately just aren’t close to their parents or inlaws–emotionally or geographically. I agree with you. Whenever we leave the kids with either set of grandparents for a few days, no one cries and we have a happy reunion when we return. (On my end anyway. Usually I hear, “No! I don’t want to go home yet!”)
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I’d love it if either set of grandparents would take the kids for an extended period of time. The most we get is an overnight, and that’s for 1 or 2 kids at a time. Consider yourself blessed!
I have a feeling that the questioner’s question reflected her own issues and doubts. Obviously you have a good relationship with your parents and trust them. If, on the other hand, you had a different kind of childhood, you might not trust your parents with your kids for a whole week.
Enjoy your time off!
I think it is great that your kids have grandparents so willing to have their grandkids come for a visit. Our kids get to see their grandparents on certain occasions but the one set is not so willing to have them stay. The kids have come to feel that they are just not that important to grandma and grandpa; and you definitely don’t want that! So, a trip to the grandparents house is perfectly great….of course, moderation is the key!
We don’t have grandparents nearby, but Derek and I each travel several times a year and I love getting away for a break. The kids miss me so much that it’s fun to come home!