Going on holiday without your kids is good for your relationship

Bourn Sisters

posted in Mum Stories

My partner and I decided to take a holiday, just the two of us, something which in principle sounded like a brilliant idea. Having a full night's sleep and staying in bed past 6am was a rather exciting prospect. With a demanding 18 month old my partner is often a bit neglected. "No daddy, mummy cuddle me!" Spending some quality time as a couple was something we were both really looking forward to.

I believe it is crucial in maintaining a solid relationship that you have time together to enjoy each others' company. Saying that, leaving my daughter overnight isn’t something I do often. In the build up to the trip I began to feel a bit anxious. Could I really leave her for six whole nights? Was I a terrible mother?

I think it can be a really hard balance between devoting your attention to your child and also ensuring you give your partner the attention they deserve. I do believe it is important in maintaining a happy, health, relationship that you still do things together, just the two of you.

I knew my daughter would be happy and safe in the hands of her grandmother, I also know her concept of time is not like an adult's, and in future years when I ask her how she felt about being left behind she probably wont even remember! The fact we had just returned from a family holiday should also ease my ‘mum guilt’ about leaving her behind.

Despite all this as we boarded the plane for a little trip away I couldn't help but feel desperately sad! As I saw other children running around the airport I felt more and more miserable and at our peaceful adult only hotel it all got too much and I was reduced to hysterical tears.

I knew she was safe, I knew she was happy, and I was glad to be spending time with the man I love but despite it all I felt like a piece of me was missing! We had decided not to FaceTime in case it upset her but I selfishly needed to see her, and it made me feel so much better!

As the trip went on I felt so much better. We had a lovely relaxing holiday and felt refreshed and excited to get home to our little girl, who of course was thrilled to see us.