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?
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.
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
Lisa says
March 3, 2016 at 7:07 amThank you for sharing your story! I just left my 8 month old the other day for the first time and even the few hours I was gone, the emotions I went through scared the heck out of me!!!!
Aileen says
March 3, 2016 at 7:10 amLisa, those Mama feelings are strong! Thanks for stopping by.
Connie Gomez says
March 3, 2016 at 8:12 pmI have traveled for my blog and work and left them for several days with my Husband. The stages are the same and they do become less. But, we have never leave them anywhere more than over night without my Husband or myself being there. And, even the VERY few times we have done an overnight stay at my momma’s house. I rush over super early the next day to pick them up. But, I know that soon my Hubby and I will need a vacation alone. And, that’s my biggest worry.
Aileen says
March 3, 2016 at 8:19 pmConnie, thank you for sharing! I hope you get your vacation away with your husband. 🙂