How does a 1 1/2 year old child deal with parents that go on vacation?

Question

Hi- My husband and I are thinking of going on a vacation to mexico- we will not be taking our daughter with if we go- has anyone reading this taken a vacation when their child was this old and how did they deal with it- I am a stay at home mom so my daughter is very attached to me- she will not let her dad put her to bed at night- only mom- But my daughter loves her grandpa and that is who would watch her while we are gone for the week- so at least she may be ok with him putting her to sleep-
any stories of your experiences would help-
Thank you

Answer 1

It sounds like you've already answered your own question. She has a Granpda she loves. You're already set. She'll probably fuss when you first leave, but as long as you don't make a big scene when you leave (like making it an exteremly long-winded thing, which suggests you aren't comfortable with the situation) it should be fine. As far as the week-long thing, don't worry about it. Maybe it will even help with the "only Mom can put me to bed " thing.

And don't worry about it or feel guilty about it. A week away will be good for you and your husband, and will do nothing to harm her. Too many people are worried about the effects on their children if they leave. Kids are more robust than that. It will also help you stay focused on your marriage, which is your first priority as a parent, for it is the foundation upon which all else in your household is built. Think about it - if you ignore your marriage for "sake" of the kids, what will they have when it fails?

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Thanks for the support, Amber. It would seem that many of the parents here are afraid to have a life outside their children. It has the unfortunate effect of teaching the kids that they are the center of the universe, or worse, that they cannot make it without mom and dad. A shame.

Oh, and thanks to all those who gave me thumbs-down.

Answer 2

Truthfully, I think that's too young to leave your daughter for a whole week. Why don't you take grandpa and the baby with you. That way you and your husband can have some alone time, but it will still be mommy putting your daughter to bed. You will have plenty of time to take vacations, when your daughter is older. She will only be a baby for a little while. Good luck.

Answer 3

I'm a mom and pediatrician. I think 18 months is a little young for a 1 week separation from a stay-at-home mom. You are her world. She is very attached to you. Time permitting, I would definitely spend time away for her in preparation - increasing time with grandpa until she is completely comfortable with your absence at least for a couple of days. You think she will be ok at night but with you gone all day, who knows...Is it possible to take grandpa with you to babysit during the vacation? That would give you alone time with your husband. I took my son on a cruise to Bermuda when he was 15 months and we all had a great time! I had relatives on the trip who helped out during the day and everyone loved it!

Answer 4

We left our 3 year old and 1 1/2 year old for a week this past January for the first time. I am also a stay home mom. It was harder for me then it was for them.

I made a picture book of pictures of my husband and I with them and our animals that they read everyday.

My year and half old went to the door every day and waved bye bye to us; But when we came home I think that was when she really realized how long we had been gone because she wouldn't let me put her down for 2 hours! ..

My in-laws followed our regular routine at their house and kept things as normal as possible. I know my mother in law did shorten nap time and ran them like crazy after dinner so they were utterly exhausted at bedtime which made it easier for them.

And my 1 1/2 picture should appear under a search of Mommy's girl because she is attached to me like crazy.

Answer 5

You people are terrible for criticizing her decision to vacation without her kid. What if she needed to spend that time in th hospital? There are times when parents and children are apart and if the child is with a trustworthy and loving caregiver there shouldn't be a problem.

It's good for parents to have time just to be a couple, it strengthens their bond and makes them better, happier parents.


I've left my daughter anywhere from 2 nights when she was 6 months old, to 10 days when she was 2 1/2 years old, with her grandma and her aunts. It's a vacation for her too, why should she have to spend every day with boring ol' mama?

Answer 6

Children at that age are attached to their moms, but can adapt. If you are sending her to familiar surroundings with grandpa, she will do just fine. You will miss her, which sometimes makes you think she is suffering just as much, but you both will do fine.

She may look for you and ask for you but if Grandpa is good at changing the subject, he may have to. She might get fussy, she might not. Give her something to take that SMELLS like you. It is a world of comfort to a child her age. Make sure she has the same blankets and pillow she uses at home. And maybe her favorite toys, too.

If you two sing together, make a tape of songs you sing before bedtime. She could listen to that.

When my granddaughter (age 6) misses her mom and dad, she loves to stare at their picture before bedtime.

Kids are more resilient that we can know. It was always harder on me than them.

Answer 7

I'm mom to 3 and have been on vacation when my children were that age. They cry for a little while when you first leave, but they soon move on to something else. It's more tramatic for the parents than the child. Since she will be with someone she loves and trusts, she'll be fine.

Answer 8

my daughter stayed at my moms for a couple of weeks when she was that age so I could get my life straightened out since I was a young parent and we had no problems. I called every night to read her a bedtime story and tell her I loved her, she was fine though during the day she was so busy being busy she didn't even notice

Answer 9

well, juxt recently our 2 yr old spent the weeked at my motherin laws. and she was a perfect angel!! i would recommend having the grandpa watch her for a weekend or two to get her used to being with only grandpa. after she has developed the comfort factor of being with just him then i would plan the vacation! make sure to call and talk to the child so they know you are not gone forever! good luck

Answer 10

she's not going to deal with it at first because she is used to seeing you all the time. If you have some time before you go I'd get her used to you not being there, go out with her at home with grandpa for a hour then expand it to a few hours that way she's used to not seeing you. This is just a thought..I'm not truly sure, my kids are now 12 and 7.