OPINIONS ON LEAVING CHILD WITH FAMILY WHILE ON VACATION?

HI LADIES,
SO MY QUESTION WAS WHAT ARE YOUR OPINIONS ON LEAVING YOUR CHILDREN WITH FAMILY WHILE ON VACATION? I HAVE 4 KIDS, 10 7 4 AND 5 MOS. MY MOM IS BEGGING ME TO KEEP THE BABY WHILE WE ARE GONE, WE WILL BE GONE FOR ABOUT 8 DAYS. OF COURSE I WOULD MISS HER LIKE CRAZY. WE ARE GOING TO A CABIN, WE WILL BE FISHING, BOATING, SWIMMING AND WHATEVER ELSE. HAVE ANY OF YOU LEFT YOUR KIDS WITH FAMILY WHILE ON VACATION? ANY OPINIONS ARE APPRECIATTED. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
TIFFANY

[mejoje]

I personally took my 6 month old camping with me and HE loved it, but it was truely hard on me and  my bf. The week we went we had rain and he doesn't like the pack and play so all I could do was put him in the walker which was a muddy mess or hold him. So you know what I did for most of the week!! :)

one thing to think of is that the baby will not be able to do much and certainly not remember that you left him/her at Grandma's, but it would give you a nice week with the other kids and time for bonding with them....if you can handle beng away from the liitle one for that amount of time.

[JJety]

If your mom is begging to watch the baby, and you can stand being away that long, then go for it!  

Depending on the weather (hot?) the baby might have a far better time being with Grandma in the air conditioning.  

How far will you be from your mother's house?  My DS is 21 months old and I still can't bring myself to go on vacation where I have to get on a plane and leave him behind, but a few hours drive would be fine.  You can always go there if you are needed.

[dandeelyon]

Shoot, I sent my kids to my parents' for two weeks.  They are in Michigan and we are in TN.  I do it every summer.  My daughter is 8 and my son 4. I had my parents' watch my son for a week when he was 6 months old when we went away.  I'd let my sister watch my kids for a period of time too.  If you trust your family, why should their be issue?  Your mom did raise you after all.  I'm sure she's qualified!

[stephd]

My DH and I went on a cruise last November and we left DS home with his parents.  He was almost 2 years old then.  He had a blast with them and they loved it to.  I dont see a problem as long as your not imposing on your family!

[BlueBirdSchless]

It's your mom! Of course leave the kids for a petty 8 days! It's not every week you get a week of relaxation! Go and enjoy yourself and don't feel guilty cause thats what grandparents are for, fun and help!

[pmom]

I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. I WILL ONLY BE 2 HOURS AWAY IF I AM NEEDED. I GUESS I JUST FELT GUILTY CAUSE I WAS DEBATING TAKING HER. I JUST NEEDED TO KNOW THAT OTHER PEOPLE DO IT. I WAS ALSO AFRAID SHE WOULD FOGET ME....I KNOW SILLY RIGHT?
TIFFANY

[Harley-girl]

You are her momma and she will not forget you. :) Have fun and enjoy the peace and quite of no little one. :)

[CrystalO]

Good for you!!  You probably need a break anyway!!  The fact that you've put so much thought into this, shows what a great mom you are, so don't feel too guilty.  It's good to take some time off and take care of yourself.  Have a great vacation!

[low22]

I would TOTALLY leave my baby with my mother for a week -- but, DH's mom . . . NEVER :)

[JDLAWSON]

I went on vacation last year when my little guy was 9 months old--did a palne ride and a trip to the big City for a week--it was just easier to travel with the 2 1/2 year old--it made the vacation more enjoyable for the whole family and the little guy got to bond with grandma and grandpa (inlaws).  Have fun and go with the flow.

[Morgan277]

I would definately take her up on her offer.  Its so difficult to travel with little ones.  Just makes everything that more difficult to do.  I went on a cruise with my daughter when she was almost 4 months old and it was not relaxing at all.  i couldnt wait to get home.  It was a nightmare.  it will give you a chance to give the older kids some attention and Im sure your 5 mos old will not be deprived with having Grandma all to him/herself.
have fun!

[mejoje]

Another thing to think about that should make you feel less guilty is that babies like routine and vacations are anything but routine, so by taking her to Grandma's you are actually doing good because it will be less stressfull on her.

[nikita2477]

ABSOLUTELY!! It will be wonderful for your mom to be able to dote on the baby with undivided attention, she will love it and so will your baby! We left my DD with my mom at 6 months and at almost 2 and each time has been great for us and them too! Go for it and don't you dare feel guilty! ;)

[pmom]

Thank you guys sooooooo much. We have to decided to leave her with my mom. A decision I wrestled with forever. I guess i just felt guilty but now I know more people do it so i don't anymore. I felt like I was being a bad parent....lol. Once again thank you guys....you all are so much help.
Tiffany

[JJety]

She absolutely will not forget you.  I promise.  Have a good time; go, relax, sleep in!

[MOMMA773]

Hello Tiffany, Im going thrue the same thing my children are 3 yrs and 1 yr old. We are leaving them with his parents and im struggling with it badly, and it is still a month away.