Have you ever travelled without the kids? If you answered yes, have you felt guilty about leaving? I have travelled without my boys before, for work a few times and to see family a couple of other times and every time I end up feeling a bit guilty about leaving.

I was away last weekend for two nights for a super short family visit. Logistically having the boys with me wouldn’t work out, so it was easier for me to travel on my own. They both stayed at home with my husband while I was away. I love travelling as a family and prefer to have everyone with me when away; however, it doesn’t’ always work out for every trip.

Traveling without the kids - The Guilt

Before leaving I made sure to clean the house from top to bottom, I sorted all the laundry and even cancelled extra classes and appointments to make sure they weren’t rushing everywhere and had a more relaxing weekend.  Even after doing all of that, and knowing I was only gone for a couple of nights, I felt some mom guilt. 

Why did I feel some guilt? I wasn’t going away to spend a week at a resort in Mexico, and even then I don’t think you should feel guilty about. We all need some personal time sometimes. I had a reason for my trip, and I ensured it didn’t disrupt the kids too much, and I wasn’t gone for too long.

At the end of the day, my kids were happy, and they were well taken care of by my husband. They survived the few days without me, and everything was o.k.

I want my children to know that it is o.k. to take the time and go away for a bit to do something that is important, whether it is work-related or something to do with your family. I want them to understand that they can be o.k. without me for a few days and that their Dad will be there to care for them.

Being a stay at home mother is a huge responsibility, but it doesn’t mean you are not allowed to take care of the important things in your life as well. When something comes up that requires travelling on my own, I always check with my husband and see if our schedule allows for me to go away for a bit. I hope next time I go away I feel less guilt. At the end of the day, we all appreciate our time together a bit more after spending some time apart.

If you have travelled without your children before. Have you felt the mom guilt?

Traveling without the kids - The Guilt