Kidless vacation? Help?!?

So my wife and I are planning a trip alone...without kids. We've got a really great family that is fighting over who is going to watch the kids. But, we're... I'm debating on how long is too long. We want to go for a week when our usual yearly alone trip is for 4 nights. the kids never object, but I wonder if 7 nights away would scar them. Is this unreasonable to worry about? Have any of you guys taken trips with just the wife for more than a couple of days? Any input would be great. My kids are 3,4 and 8 years old. We know they love time at grandmas and she can handle it. If not, we've got sisters that are all begging for time with them and very able to do fine without us being around. So, is this unreasonable? Is it just my nerves? Dive in guys, give me some advice.

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Permalink Reply by William on September 3, 2008 at 9:42pm: My wife missed the kids even when we go out to dinner without them!

Like you said, the kids will be fine, and they will hug you that much more when you come back!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Chad on September 4, 2008 at 2:01pm: Thanks Kenny. I needed soem encouragement. I feel like I'm neglecting them by enjoying myself the once a year I get to go do something. I'm going to book my cabin now and go enjoy myself in the mountains for a week. Its going to be fun to hike, shoot my pistol and get up and go to bed whenever I feel like it. I'm actually startign to get excited.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by William on September 4, 2008 at 2:11pm: Don't feel guilty...parenting is not an easy job, and even parents deserve a vacation without kids. Plus, they'll get to spend a lot more time with grandma than they normally would.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Anthony Gerardot on September 4, 2008 at 2:17pm: My wife and I take about one trip a year without the children. Usually a long weekend trip like 4 or 5 days. We have taken a week long trip before and they did fine. We are going on a cruise for a week in January and the grandparents will be watching the children who will be 4, 3, and 9 months old.

I know that some parents never take vacations without their children and don't believe that anyone should. But I believe that it helps keep my wife and I better connected. I am sure that your household is very similar to ours and in order to talk to your wife for more than 10 seconds without being interrupted, you have to wait until all the children are asleep. By that time, you both are tired and ready for bed or have 20 tasks to get done before going to bed. It is very nice to go away and have time to talk to each other and connect without the children. If that can only be a date night out once in awhile or a week vacation, I highly recommend it.; ▶ Reply to This