I’ve heard recently about a couple I know who are having some difficulties, the main cause is that they never take breaks away from their kids.
I am the world’s number one fan of my little ones, they seriously rock. They are also 2 and 3 (11.5 months apart), so they can be a touch exhausting. 🙂
Recently I was lucky enough to take a few extra days in San Francisco after Macworld to spend with my wife, Heather. Together we walked all over the city in weather that couldn’t have been better.
Heather and I met as backpackers in Ireland, so we are both accustomed to adventures in unknown cities. We spent a few days exploring hidden, local gems without the use of any guides. It was just like the old days when we first met.
It came to us as a shock when we realized that we hadn’t had a holiday without the kids – ever. We skipped around the city like giddy school children, it was incredible to be FREE for a few days. We were free of any responsibilities, no pull-up changing, potty training, prepared meals, bath time, nothing!
Do you have someone you can leave your kids with for a weekend? Have you asked your in-laws, parents, siblings, trust worthy friends for a weekend of babysitting?
Even if it’s just a weekend in a neighboring city, perhaps camping if the weather works for you. The main point is to get away with your partner, not to stay with friends, just the two of you. If you’re a single parent the same applies here.
Go away and take some time off – you deserve it.
#
Couldn’t agree more, Dave. My husband and I try to do a couple’s only get-away once a year, and I think its not only necessary for our relationship, but for our sanity. We have a fantastic 6-year-old who we love immensely, but who is the centre of attention wherever we are. It is nice for our relationship to take the front seat once in a while. And I refuse to feel guilty over it! Although, this year is our 10th wedding anniversary, and we are headed to Paris to celebrate (YAY!) – and my 6-year-old is amping up the drama at not getting to come along! Too bad, kid, mamma needs some alone time with her man! You’ll have me focused on your the OTHER 350 days of this year!!
#
Couldn’t agree more, Dave. My husband and I try to do a couple’s only get-away once a year, and I think its not only necessary for our relationship, but for our sanity. We have a fantastic 6-year-old who we love immensely, but who is the centre of attention wherever we are. It is nice for our relationship to take the front seat once in a while. And I refuse to feel guilty over it! Although, this year is our 10th wedding anniversary, and we are headed to Paris to celebrate (YAY!) – and my 6-year-old is amping up the drama at not getting to come along! Too bad, kid, mamma needs some alone time with her man! You’ll have me focused on your the OTHER 350 days of this year!!
#
Ha! Good for you two. Congrats on 10 years too! Paris sounds like a perfect destination for such an occasion.
Have a great time!
Merci,
Dave
#
Ha! Good for you two. Congrats on 10 years too! Paris sounds like a perfect destination for such an occasion.
Have a great time!
Merci,
Dave
#
Almost 2 years ago I had to attend a conference for a project I was (going to) be in charge of. I use “had to” quite loosely; it was held in Nice, France!
Naturally, wife came along, and we took a few days after that to visit Paris and London.
It was a nice break away from the kid (only one kid then), being our first visit to those cities too. So now we are hanging out for another work-related “had to’s”, but with this climate it may be long shot for this kinda company spending.
These days we try to have weekend dates. A simple midnight movie is already a luxury, but treasured.
#
Almost 2 years ago I had to attend a conference for a project I was (going to) be in charge of. I use “had to” quite loosely; it was held in Nice, France!
Naturally, wife came along, and we took a few days after that to visit Paris and London.
It was a nice break away from the kid (only one kid then), being our first visit to those cities too. So now we are hanging out for another work-related “had to’s”, but with this climate it may be long shot for this kinda company spending.
These days we try to have weekend dates. A simple midnight movie is already a luxury, but treasured.
#
Dave,
My wife and I go on vacation together WITHOUT the kids each year. To me a vacation with your kids is not a vacation, its just moving the chaos to another location.
Dont get me wrong, we also travel with our kids. But, we make a special point to go somewhere new each year.
Just last week I booked our next trip to San Diego, CA next month. In the last few years we’ve been to San Francisco, San Antonio, Dallas, Las Vegas, Phoenix (and Sedona), Gulf Shores, and more.
I need my time away from the kids to recharge my batteries.
I know alot of couples who have never been away from their kids. Not even for one night!
#
Dave,
My wife and I go on vacation together WITHOUT the kids each year. To me a vacation with your kids is not a vacation, its just moving the chaos to another location.
Dont get me wrong, we also travel with our kids. But, we make a special point to go somewhere new each year.
Just last week I booked our next trip to San Diego, CA next month. In the last few years we’ve been to San Francisco, San Antonio, Dallas, Las Vegas, Phoenix (and Sedona), Gulf Shores, and more.
I need my time away from the kids to recharge my batteries.
I know alot of couples who have never been away from their kids. Not even for one night!