Continually Taking Vacations Without the Children: Good or Bad?

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If you want my opinion...

Should parents continually go on vacation and leave their children at home?

Full-time working parents receive vacation benefits during the year. Even part-time working parents receive a portion of money each payday - considered vacation pay - in lieu of paid vacation time at a later date.

It's understandable when parents desire to travel during their vacations. It's even understandable, on occasion, for parents to get a few days to themselves - away from their children - as long as their children are being cared for and are being entertained themselves.

However, what about when parents leave their children home so often that family vacations rarely occur? When parents are working most of the time (when they are not on vacation) when do they get the opportunity to spend uninterrupted, quality time with their children if they don't take them on vacation? After all, even during vacation, parents can still manage to get some time to themselves, as a couple, and individually (if desired.)

Personally, I have taken my children with me on every vacation. I've grown used to sharing all aspects of my vacation with them and it becomes a highlight in our lives later when we can all discuss vacation memories, as they've been shared by each of us. There is no need of my children trying to imagine what I'm talking about because they know, firsthand.

Note: This photo was taken during our most recent family vacation. I'm photographed here with two of my three children.

At some point, everyone gets tired

Parents get tired of the demands of raising children while trying to work.

Children become tired of continually attending child care facilities or, as in the case with older children, trying to maintain good grades.

Everyone gets tired, therefore, everyone deserves a break...

Now it's your turn! 

Should parents take most every vacation without their children?

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Yes

Allison says:

You are absolutely right. I have a relative who take a minimum of six vacations every year without his 9 year old...and this has been ongoing for the past 3 or 4 years. I feel so sorry for his child, who very shortly will begin to resent the fact that she is not welcomed. They have even taken her out of school for a week at a time so that she could go to the babysitter while they are on vacation. It is terribly upsetting to see

Posted January 11, 2009

RHEY HEDGES says:

Listen to Norma ... she is right 'on target' ... PLus ... She is a "Mother". Never argue with Momma!

Posted June 01, 2008

No

Shmobb says:

Absolutely not! Kids need time away as much as their parents do, and vacations are an excellent time for family bonding.

Posted October 06, 2009

santana says:

children are part of your life you should take them with you forget that you are going on a vacation they should take them with you i dont care it you drink take the children with yall stop leaving kids behind you should feel guitly about it

Posted September 23, 2009

Isabel says:

I have been having this dilemma with my own 3-year old son. I am recently going on vacation with some old girlfriends. Part of me is happy to be going away but I can't help feeling guilty. He will be staying with his dad and his grandma for 2 days so I know he will be well looked after and in familiar surroundings but it's just missing that time with him that makes me a bit sad. It's a weird thing because although I love vacationing with my son it can be exhausting and difficult to completely relax however it is hard to completely enjoy myself without him. I go on vacation 2 times a year with my son and I will be going away with him for his birthday for a week. I really don't know how people separate from their kids for longer periods of time. I'm very sure this will be my last vacation without him until he is much older.

Posted June 25, 2009

dc64 says:

Children are part of the family too. Just the two of you every once in a while is understandable, and even healthy, but often? No

Posted December 29, 2008

Kelsey-Budden-16 says:

NO! 4 kids like me. I love to get away from home for a while. Sure I'll miss my friends but, I'm coming back.

What I love the most is going horse back riding. I also love to drive across the country. :) The thing is with me, I don't look at the scenery. Why should I? It's the only time you can be lazy!!! Laziness rocks on when your in a car...but if your looking at scenery...oh boy! If your the type of person who looks at scenery, how do you do it?! I'd go mad!
On the other hand, if your the opposite of me...you'd say 'Woo hoo! Mom and dad are gone!' , right? I know what you guys think...PARTY!!! What happens most of the time though? Think, think, think. You get busted! Who likes getting busted? Not me!!! Been there and done that!(Not exactly done that) Your parents get called home if there is a big emergency, and guess what? They are truly disappointed in you, they trusted you! Instead you betray the trust and try to be cool and all having parties. Now if you ask me, that sucks! Now I know, I know. Disappointing parents doesn't feel good, but sometimes you just want something to happen. Maybe your parents haven't been mad at you before. Maybe they are always busy with stuff and forget that you exist. That could be why your doing something wrong. You just wanna get attention. If thats the case, I understand.

If you are the opposite of a "Cool" or "Lazy" person, maybe you think, "I know I'll miss them, but I want time to myself. Do things I wanna do for a change." If that's the case, I understand too! You just wanna take a chill pill and maybe sleep in when you want. Maybe you wanna take a long walk with your dog(s), or spend time with your friends more often. Like I said, I know what your thinking. RELAX! It's always good to relax!

Anyways I'm just pointing out different views when it comes to teenagers and young adults. I would say more, but I think you guys get the idea.

Toodles!

Posted November 24, 2008

 
view all 8 comments

"Children need "alone" time with their parents during vacation."

Proven Fact:

Children need vacation!

They need to have time away from routines and responsibilities.

They need opportunities to explore other places; they need to be able to learn about other foods, people, and cultures.

They need time away from their friends so they can really learn to appreciate their friends.

They should see animals at the zoo, go to parks for family picnics, go to a water park or amusement park sometimes.

They need to relax and unwind.

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by Norma_Budden

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