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You are here: Home / Mom Life / 6 Emotional Stages of Leaving Your Kids for Vacation

6 Emotional Stages of Leaving Your Kids for Vacation

February 28, 2016 By Aileen 6 Comments This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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6 Emotional Stages of Leaving Your Kids for Vacation

I’ve been meaning to share this story for a while now. Last fall, I went on a short trip with a friend and left my kids at home in the qualified hands of their father. I had never gone anywhere without them, so my mom guilt was strong!  As a courtesy, I have outlined the 6 emotional stages of leaving your kids – so you know you’re not alone!

Stage 1: Guilt (a few days before): As I got closer to my departure date, the guilt stated to set in. How could I just ditch my husband for three days? Would he feel overwhelmed or stressed because I left? Would my kids be sad? Would they miss me too much? Do I really need a vacation?

6 emotional stages of leaving your kids for vacation |https://aileencooks.com

Stage 2: Worry (the day I’m supposed to leave) What happens if I die in a car accident on the way out-of-town? What if there is a natural disaster and I’m separated from my kids? What if something happens to my family while I’m gone? (these were REAL THOUGHTS going through my head. I know, dramatic)

Stage 3: Sadness (After I left). The drive there: I miss my babies. Seeing other children at the supermarket: That kid is so cute, I miss my babies. Seeing a child on a movie: I really miss my babies, I wonder what they’re doing? When they face timed me that night: My babies got bigger! How did they grow so quickly? I miss my babies.

[bctt tweet=”The emotional roller coaster of leaving your kids for vacation #momlife #momcation”]

Stage 4: Relief (the next morning): Wow, I didn’t have to wake up at all in the middle of the night. I slept in – is it really 7:30? I seriously only have to feed myself? Wow, this is easy and awesome!

Stage 5: More guilt (later that day): I’m having a really good day, I wonder if my husband is having a hard time. I hope he’s not having a hard time. I’m going to call him.

Stage 6: Calm (after the phone call): Wow, he was doing the dishes and took the kids to a children’s museum. My son sounded really happy. I guess I can let myself enjoy my vacation now.

6 emotional stages of leaving your kids for vacation |https://aileencooks.com

There you have it. The roller-coaster of emotions I experienced during my 3 day trip away from my children.

If you don’t feel this way when leaving your kids, that’s great! Please share your secret, because I would love to experience less guilt next time.

 

Photo Credit: freeimages.com and pixabay.com

 

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Filed Under: Mom Life Tagged With: motherhood, trips, vacation

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Meet Aileen

Hi, I'm Aileen. I'm married to the love of my life and mom to three busy kids. My mission is to help busy moms cook good food and enjoy their families. I invite you to check out my long list of recipes, fun projects (for kids and moms), and honest posts about motherhood.

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