New Years Eve with your children?

Question

Growing up I always ended up babysitting for families while their parents were out at New Years Eve parties. Since I've had my daughters, I have no gone away for New Years Eve. My oldest is 8 years old and my youngest is 9 months. Thinking about it now- I feel guilty for wanting to go out for New Years Eve- my oldest gets to stay up every year and watch the ball drop etc and she loves it. Am I wrong for feeling guilty and thinking we should stay home with our kids? Or am I just being 'crazy' and we should use New Years as an excuse to get out? What do you do for new years? Do you stay home with your children and have a party with them or do you get a sitter and go out?

I'm married and we have two children. So stop with the "use birth control" ... i didn't say my children are or ever were unwanted. Also- if I'm going to go out for New Years- i would prefer to go out together- we always end up going out alone with friends so they other can stay home the kids.... that gets old real fast.

Answer 1

We usually get a bottle of the sparkling cider, some noise makers, and those plastic champagne glasses and we all sit at home together and watch the ball drop. That's what we have always done. My oldest is 15 and I've never went out for New Year's. I don't feel like I've missed out on anything at all.... and if I did go out, I know I would feel like I missed out by not being home with them to celebrate another year.

Ya know, I've got to save something for me to do when they are all grown up and have moved out. So I get to enjoy them now and still have something to look forward to when they are all out living their lives.

Answer 2

"Box of Rain's" answer is ridiculous...

And I think you're neither right or wrong.
It's great that you want to stay home and celebrate with your kids!! Some parents should learn to do that more often. But, I certainly don't think there's anything wrong with going out on New Year's Eve every so often...or anyday for that matter. The fact that you like to spend time with your children makes you seem like a pretty good mommy...but even the best of mommy's and daddy's need a night off to relax (even better if it's a special occasion like New Year's) ! :o)

Answer 3

I believe both is fine. I have gotten a sitter and went out but I also have stayed at home with the kids.
As adults I don't believe that life is over when you have children. It's ok to have kid fun and adult fun.
You should get a sitter and go out. Have fun!

Answer 4

when they were little, we did stay home with them.
sounds like you're reallly needing a break and wanting to get out with your husband. that's ok too!
or you can stay in, watch a movie, popcorn, woop it up when the ball goes down. or get a sitter to do that and go out with hubby.
i think it's up to you.
the thing is..your children are spaced far apart. (mine were too) that's why you're feeling to get out. cause you have a baby and one that can be easily/easier entertained.
talk about it with your husband and either way - don't feel guilty. i'm sure the kids will have a good night either way.

Answer 5

Sometimes I go out. Really, you should not feel guilty about going out for the evening. It is great to include your kids in a lot of activities, but sometimes, you need to do things by yourself.

Answer 6

We've done both. Go out if you like, or stay home. Either way, don't feel guilty.

Answer 7

My daughter is now 23.....but when she was younger we went skiing for the New Year.

It was a fun time for all of us....we were together....and we were doing something we all enjoyed.

When she doesn't already have plans we still do this.

Answer 8

have your own house party- invite friends, family and their children

Answer 9

Ask baby's daddy to sit with them.

Good luck. Just use birth control this time.