Leaving My Three Year Old for the First Time, for a Week?

Updated on May 18, 2011
C.K. asks from Key West, FL
14 answers

I have been invited to on an incredible all expenses paid vacation for one week. I will have to leave my three year old son for one week. He will stay home with Daddy who usually puts him to bed three to four nights out of the week while I'm at work, and he will go to a day care with familiar faces during the day. I have never left him before, and I'm so nervous. Should I stay or should I go?

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M.B.

answers from Washington DC on

You should go!

I personally wouldn't go, though... not because of leaving the three year old but because I would want to spend that vacation time with my husband:)

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R.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Are you kidding me? GOOOOOOO. Enjoy what might be a once in a lifetime chance to have an all expense paid vacay without someone following you into the bathroom while you pee!! I was super super anxious over my first trip away, a 3 day girl trip that I took last summer (my kids were 2, 5 and 6) and I seriously had SO MUCH FUN. There is more anxiety thinking about it than when you actually get there. Your little one will be with daddy and will be just fine!! GO PACK! :)

1 mom found this helpful
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D.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

Go. Why would you even question this?
He's your son's father! Not a babysitter, it's his job to take care of his son!

1 mom found this helpful
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K.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Go and have a great time!

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D.H.

answers from Miami on

GO!! GO!! GO!! You deserve a break and your little one will in good hands. I recently had the flu and after a month I still felt horrible and had no energy. I left for a few days on a business trip and after 1 night of uninterrupted sleep and no mommy duties, I was miraculously recovered. Everyone needs "me" time - you will be missed and loved that much more fiercely when you return home!

Be prepared for a few tears. The first time I left my baby I cried for nearly an hour after calling home to check in. Try not to feel guilty - you're not just a mom or just a wife - you are a person who also deserves to cared for so ENJOY!!!

P.S. I actually never worry about leaving her with my hubby, but I did have all that mommy guilt the first time we both left her and my aunt watched her for a few days. I've only done this twice in 3 years, but it is so worth it!!

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R.T.

answers from Lincoln on

I agree with everyone else!! Go Go Go!!! I like the posts about skype and calls home. I think you will find yourself glad for the break and of course you will miss him like crazy.

I recently left my 5 year old son for 3 days and I did little things to make him feel good about it. I got some little dollar tree presents and every night he went to bed that mommy was gone he got to open a little present. It was like a stuffed animal or something he could cuddle with at night. I also made a little story with clip art and photos. That was more personalized for him than other story books and we were able to discuss that Mommy was going on vacation, but would come back. It was a good way to prepare him for Mom being gone.

Seize the oppurtunity and have fun!!! :-)

M.H.

answers from Raleigh on

GO! He will miss you, but honestly, there is no reason you shouldn't go. The time a part will be hard at first, but he will mostly be sticking to his routine, so it shouldn't be a major problem. Have fun and enjoy your all expenses paid vacation. I wish someone would send just me on one of those! :)

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T.F.

answers from San Diego on

GO!!!! I am so jealous. I love my son to death and would miss him like crazy but I think that an all expence vacation is what most moms dream about. At least I dream about it. I only have a year and a half to wait for my vacation. My husband and I are going on a crusie for our 10 year anniversay while my sister flies out her to stay with my son.

Please go and have a great time.

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B.R.

answers from Tampa on

You should definitely go (though a week will seem like a long time to you). It's healthy to separate & be an individual for awhile, and your son w/b with Daddy & other familiar people. He will be fine. Take some time for yourself, you will benefit from it. Have a fantastic time!

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M.G.

answers from Chicago on

Go, go, go!!! Your son will be fine without you. Sure, he'll miss you, but he won't be scarred for life. This is a great opportunity. Don't pass it up. Think of how relaxed you'll be when you come home, which will make you a better mommy.

C.B.

answers from Kansas City on

ooooh that would get to me too. the good thing is he gets to stay with daddy and daycare friends. HE will be fine. he really will. it's you i'm worried about :) take a deep breath. try to have fun. don't make yourself crazy over it or there's no point in going. (and you so deserve it - we all do!) have fun!

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E.P.

answers from New York on

If you don't go, I will! He will be in good hands - have a good time!

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R.P.

answers from Cleveland on

go, he will be fine if you guys have a lap top and a home computer or two laptops down load skype on each computer and get webcams and skype with them and talk to them right before you leave to come home and once or twice while your there

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S.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

I managed to avoid business travel until my kids were 3 and 5. I left my 3 & 5 yo for 10 days with daddy while on a business trip to Turkey. He'll be fine. Actually, after that trip they got excited every time I had to go on a business trip. I guess they get a lot more treats while I'm away. I worry more about my husband when I'm away. Like how he doesn't get any break at the end of the day. Just call home everyday if you're worried. After the first couple of days, you'll see he's fine.
Have fun.

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