Keeping everyone happy key to vacations

Next week, my husband and I are flying off to spend four glorious days alone. In other words, no kids.

Now, there are some of you who might raise an eyebrow at parents who travel without their children. I understand that, but believe me, I am the one feeling sorry for you. Let me tell you why it's so great without the kiddos.

While it may be tough to leave them behind, vacationing without children is actually good for the entire family. It gives everyone a break. It gives us time to relax and enjoy each other's company without the usual daily interruptions such as bathroom breaks, piles of laundry and the constant sibling bickering. (It also gives the kids a break from normal responsibilities, i.e., nagging.) Getting away from all responsibilities is absolutely great for the soul. After all, in just a few short years it will just be Tom and me most of the time, so we had better make sure we still have fun together.

Additionally, it also allows the children time to establish a bond with other caregivers, be they family or friends. I think this is a very important point. I want my children to learn to trust other people to be there for them when they are in need. Also, I want them to learn to lean on each other more. If the kids are staying at the same place, it can make their bond stronger as well.

But preparation is the key to everyone having a safe and happy time while they are apart. I literally start planning such adventures as much as six months in advance. The first and most important thing to arrange is child care. If I am not comfortable with where my kids are staying, I absolutely cannot enjoy myself. After all, I am still their mother.

I am blessed to have a bevy of friends who willingly take my kids if I am going to be out of town. In return, I take their kids when they are going to be gone. From my side, I actually enjoy having their children when they are gone because slipping in a few extra kids is no big deal. And having the kids' friends here keeps them occupied as well. It really is a win-win situation.

After the kids are situated, it's time to pick the getaway location. The only thing we really want from our destination is that it be very adult. We don't want to go anywhere that will have a bevy of children. And if anything screams "adults only," it's Las Vegas. It is truly a place we can go and do whatever we want until it's time to come home. It's all up to us. Last time we were there, I looked at him at about 4:30 a.m. and asked, "You want some lunch?" We cracked up because sleep patterns definitely get messed up while you're there.

But before we jump on that plane, there is a lot more preparation that needs to be done. First, I make sure that everyone who could possibly need to know knows where we are going and how to get in touch with us. And even though we want to get away, both Tom and I carry our cell phones so the kids can reach us at any time. Just because we are gone doesn't mean we don't want to hear how their days went.

Additionally, I spend some time preparing things for the caregiver. It might include a schedule of events each child is involved in. I always send notes to their school and teachers so they know who to contact in case of a problem while we are away. I also include a permission form for the caregiver that allows them to seek medical treatment if any emergency situation arises. On that form I include all kinds of medical information about each child, including allergies, medicines they regularly take, and information about their physician and insurance company.

I know, I know, most of it is completely unnecessary. But I have to tell you, I sleep better while I'm away knowing that it's all done.

Then, all that's left to do is pack the bags, kiss the cherubs on the forehead and head for the airport. Viva Las Vegas, baby!

Oh yeah, there is one final thing you need to do to make your time away successful: Always come home with presents for both kiddos and caregivers alike. Nothing brings families back together like unwrapping presents.

Source: http://www.joplinglobe.com/