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There’s never a dull juncture in the life of a parent. Every moment you spend with your little ones is filled with noise, laughter, and chaos. While this makes life interesting, it can also be exhausting if you don’t take time off for yourself. Parents are humans too, so they also need to rest and recuperate. If you find yourself daydreaming about going on a nice long vacation, lying on the beach, or skiing in the snow without being trailed by your demanding entourage, it might be time to consider taking a small getaway without them. Most parents hesitate to leave the kids behind due to parental guilt. Although a vacation has its perks in bringing you together as a family, there are several reasons why not taking your children along for a couple of days is beneficial to both parties.
Here are 4 benefits of vacationing without the kids:
1. Not Having To Do Child-Friendly Activities
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Let’s be honest, your children have a roster full of extracurricular activities that you need to shuttle back and forth from all week long. Even on weekends, you’re usually stuck planning a playdate and trying to get through the evening’s entertainment without nodding off to sleep. Most activities that parents do are just things that their child wants to do. And although doing a couple of things together can be a bonding experience, parents need a break to simply do the things they enjoy. And what better time to indulge than on vacation? Take this opportunity to visit those art galleries you’ve been putting off or laze by the pool. Treat yourself to a spa treatment or go on a candlelit dinner. You deserve to be entertained and stimulated too. So go ahead and enjoy yourself!
2. Bond With Your Partner
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Sharing and splitting parental duties with your spouse may bring you closer, but there are some relationship-building activities that you can’t do when the kids are around. Getting some quiet time and being alone together is a great way to rekindle the spark and connect with your partner. Sometimes parents need space to remember why they came together in the first place and how content they are with each other and the family they have. It can be hard to have these deep conversations with the kids, so going away is a great solution. Having exciting adventures together doesn’t mean you are a neglectful parent. It simply means that you want to establish meaningful experiences with your partner, which will strengthen your family bond.
3. Personal Rejuvenation
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All parents are susceptible to initial feelings of guilt and shame for either wanting to leave their kids for a couple of days or realizing they might need frequent getaways to destress and recuperate. But going away does not make you selfish. Prioritizing your own needs and well-being will directly benefit your family. No one wants a frustrated and overworked parent around. Taking steps to refuel your emotional and mental reserves will ensure that you stay happy and fulfilled, and his positive energy will rub off on your family. Prioritize self-care and me time on your vacation and give yourself a chance to relax. It is healthy to give yourself a well-deserved break.
4. It Is Good For The Kids
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Going away and making time for yourself will teach your kids that you are an individual with your own needs and interests. They will learn to mimic your behavior of self-care and will prioritize their own health and wellbeing as they grow up. It’s easy to assume that doing something without your kids might make them feel left out, but having separate lives from your children is healthy, and your child will be happier than you are your own person. Having your own experiences will stop you from wanting to vicariously live through your children. Learning to be content with your life is good for you and your babies.
Besides, this is a great opportunity for your kids to socialize and interact with different people. Be it a trusted babysitter, their grandparents, or godparents, going away gives your little ones a chance to explore those dynamics at a deeper level and form lasting bonds with those you consider closest to you. Going away will also instill a sense of responsibility in your child. Allowing them to exercise some autonomy is good for them. Your children will internalize how you believe that they are strong and capable enough to take care of themselves, boosting their self-esteem and self-confidence. Going on vacation can be the best thing for you and your kids in different ways.
It’s okay to have some fears and reservations before heading out on your child-free vacation. It is normal to worry if they will miss you or if you will miss them. And you may very well miss them. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We’ve all heard “distance makes the heart grow fonder.” Sometimes giving everyone some space is needed to bring the family closer. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy your fabulous vacation, Bonne voyage!
