Advice for Leaving Toddler at Home While We Go on Vacation

Hi R., Good for you! My husband and I left our 18month old with Grandma for 5 days. I was a little worried, but all went well and our son and his Grandma had a much closer bond because of that! The one thing I did was to write down his exact schedule from morning till bed. I just used a spiral notebook type thing and listed specifics....

6:30 a.m. usually wakes up, wants his milk right away. Likes to watch Sesame Street - channel 6.

Etc...all the way thru the day. I told her that I wasn't insisting that she follow this schedule, more than I just wanted her to be comfortable in knowing his routine so he wouldn't be upset if she didn't know he wanted to watch sesame street (or whatever).

On another page I listed food suggestions for breakfast lunch and dinner, snacks, anything else I could think of.

My MIL was so appreciative and she said it really helped her! A bonus to this was that I actually (unintentionally at the time) saved these sheets of paper and later put them in his baby book! He's now 8 years old and I can still look back and know exactly what his days were like when he was 18 mos. awwwwwww

Anyway, have a great time on your trip!! :-)

2 moms found this helpful

I think an emergency room has medical release forms available. If they don't they should be able to instruct you to where you could find one.

Enjoy your little vacation! Kids need to see that it is okay for Mommy and Daddy to have their own time, plus happy parents equal a happy family!

1 mom found this helpful

All that is required is a handwritten note from his parents!
Usually it doesn't become a huge ordeal! Just explain to him every night for like three nights before you go that he will be with his grandmas and that you will come back to him. My son was going to be away from me his first time when he started preschool and he did not care at all! I was the one crying when I left! Good Luck!

1 mom found this helpful

Hi R.:
Good for you....I love to see parents taking (well deserved time for themselves)It's not easy to leave your toddler,after all,you two know him better than anyone,however,its going to be rejuvenating for the two of you to get away alone for a few days.You'll have fun being spoiled on the cruise,and when you return,the three of you will feel so happy to be together again.Your idea,to have both Grandmas care for him was an awesome idea.How thoughtful is that? Both of them get some bonding time with their Grand baby and they can chat and become more familiar with one another.. I really like that. You should have no frets,when you leave,as that little boy of yours, will no doubt be in (Lovey Heaven). I'd make sure and leave a release note. Giving both permission to provide for his medical care,if there were an emergency. It may make you feel better, if you leave both Grandmas a few notes. What his regular schedule is.Naps or winding down time for bed. What his favorite foods are.This way it gives them some guidelines to work by.Tell them about little things,that make him feel secure.Maybe something special you do,that comforts him.whether it be rocking or a favorite blanket.If he needs his (binky) for bed.This will help them,make him feel like nothings changed as far as normalcy,while your gone.I hope the two of you have a wonderful time. Your son will be fine,and will be thrilled to see you when you return. Kick back by the pool and have a Pina Collada for me will ya? Bon Voyage!! J. M

1 mom found this helpful

You need to leave a form letter signed by you and/or your spouse letting Grandma(s) render any medical aid to your child incase of an emergency. Go to http://insurance.lovetoknow.com/Medical_Release_Form_For_... and they can walk you through it. Also you need to contact you cell provider and ask questions about cell coverage, you can add international for the weekend for emerency contact, the call maybe expensive but worth it. Have fun!

1 mom found this helpful

R.: )

Congratulations for investing time into your marriage. That is the wisest investment you can make!

As a grandmother, who has responsibility for a grandchild, I found that a limited power of attorney, giving me the right to take him to a doctor, is the most important thing! It can be limited to the time you plan to be gone, but give your mothers the right to care for your son properly. No hospital or doctor can see him without that authority!

A.

Congratulations on not feeling guilty about leaving your little boy for a few days!!! I think it's very good for the health of your marriage to take a break from the kids and spend exclusive time staying connected with your spouse -- it is definitely an investment in your marriage. We left our not-quite-three year old with a trusted neighbor family and went to New Zealand for two weeks and everything worked out great. At your son's age, he probably doesn't understand the concept of time very well so simply explain that you are going away on a fun vacation for mommies and daddys for a few days, and don't dwell on the "separation" aspect; play up the positives, like both Grandma's will be there to take care of him and how much fun that will be for him. What we discovered is that the kids enjoy the break from mom and dad as much as you enjoy the break from the kids :) . You don't need a special form, but you definitely need to type-up and sign a letter authorizing either Grandma to obtain emergency medical treatment for your son. Make sure they have phone #'s and addresses for his pediatrician, an urgent care center and the hospital. Enjoy your vacation!!!!

R., I was recently introduced to information about what could happen to my children if the unexpected happen to us…something we all overlook....but it could happen, we just never think or want to think that could happen to any of us. The law offices of Robert Galliano in Temecula organizes this FREE educational workshops for parents.

At the workshop I realized that if something happened to us, my kids wouldn’t know what to do, or where to go…even though I figure my friends or family (which are far away) will jump in to help, legally it wasn’t enough and that I needed to take action to ensure they will be safe and taken care of…no by the system, but the way I would want to…just the thought of them taken away because of small things I overlooked or never thought of, gave me the chills…I learned the most common mistakes we parents make naming guardians and how to avoid them...After I went to this workshop I wanted to spread the word to other parents.

You need to have legal documents for the family to take care of the kids and you need to name guardians for the kids in the event that something happen to you...you can read a little more information here:

http://www.gallianolaw.com/id64.html

You can request a free guide on how to protect your kid(s)...and also name your guardians for free...and yes I will leave all the directions in writting and make sure they are legally correct...there are many things that we assume will work and they don't! The "system" see things in a different way we as parents and family sees them...taking care of them will give you a peace of mind!

Hi R.,
Just wanted to say, Good For You! I know the feeling where sometimes you just need a break.
As far as medical care, you do need to write a letter, giving permission for one of the grandmas to get your child medical attention should the need arise. You could also find a legal store with forms or look online if you want something more formal.
As far as your baby, you might want to record something of you and your husband talking to your child, saying good night etc. so that it can be played for him should he get a little fussy, missing his mama.
Good Luck and have a great time!

My husband and I have gone on mini getaways a couple of times, leaving our two little ones in the care of family. We ALWAYS give POWER OF ATTORNEY to whom ever will be caring for our children. You will need to get the power of attorney notorized. If you're not sure, please check with your state.

Don't forget to inform the grandmas of any allergies and any medication your child is taking. Also, write all your travel information (internary, hotels, travel agency, and all possible contact numbers).

Call at least once day to see how your son is doing. You know he's in good hands. Have fun!!!

I hope this helps.

We left our 18 month old with my parents when we went to Spain for 2 weeks. We had lived with them for nearly a year, while we relocated back to the area, so he was very comfortable with them.

I was fine the first week, but by the end of it, I was a mess - I missed him and wanted to go home. We talked to him nearly every day on the phone and tried to call before bedtime.

He was almost potty trained, but refused to go on the toliet after we returned. It was somewhat of a punishment for us - since he would still go on the toliet for my parents, but not us.

We always leave a gaurdianship letter, signed by both my husband and I - along with the insurance card. I figure the more we have covered, the less will probably go wrong!

Keeping him busy with normal routine stuff is probably the most important. Just how he likes certain food prepared, when does he get his hair washed in the bath - at the beginning or at the end? Just keeping life normal will help.

Sounds like a good weekend for all involved! Good luck and have fun!

Hi R.,

My husband and I did this when our son was eight months old. It was one of the best things we have ever done for our marriage. We also left him with both sets of our parents--they each took two days apiece. They came and stayed in our home which I think made it easier for everyone.

We left our parents with all of the pediatrician info, insurance card, and a signed and dated note saying that they had the right to begin medical treatment for our son on our behalf.

:-) Happy Vacationing!
D.

I would leave them a letter giving them permission to get medical care if need be, and his insurance card. My Mom watches my son when I work and she has this in her purse. It also has my contact information is they need it. I just did it on a word document. I think the insurance card is also a very important thing!