Mum asks if it’s OK to take two kids on holiday and leave the youngest behind… and gets a very mixed response
Mumsnet users were fierce in their answers to the mum of three
A MUM who planned to leave her two-year-old behind when she goes on holiday sparked a furious online debate.
Posting on Mumsnet, the anonymous mum said she was about to arrange a holiday with her partner and her two oldest kids, and was thinking of leaving her toddler behind.
She wrote: “I was telling my mother about it and she offered to look after my two-year-old for the week.”
She added: “We would be be able to go to theme/water parks and take the older two on rides etc without one of us having to stay with the baby.
“Would be able to relax a lot more around the pool as my older two are very confident in water.”
But she revealed that her brother’s girlfriend had called them “awful and selfish parents” and accused her mum of “playing favourites!”
She asked if it was unreasonable to accept her mother’s offer and finished: “Does it really make me a selfish and awful mother?”
The post received a mixed response, with many telling her it wasn’t acceptable to leave the tot behind.
One mum wrote: “I don’t think it’s nice at all, sorry. You’re a family.
“You made a choice to have a baby who is now 2. I’d hate to have a family holiday leaving out a member of the family.
“Sorry. I do think it’s quite selfish and sends the wrong message to your older children and the younger one too when she is old enough to see the photos etc.”
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Another added: “Taking a break as a couple = fine. Taking a break as a family = fine
“One on one break with individual child = fine (as long as each child gets a go)”
“Going away as a family and leaving one member behind = not fine for me. Sorry.”
A third said: “Couldn't do this, sorry. Baby will miss you so much!”
Many of the mums said they would miss their child too much but some backed her bid for a toddler-free break.
One wrote: “I could do it with only a brief backwards look to smile and wave at 2 yr old grinning from ear to ear at the prospect of a whole weak of spoiling from granny and grandpa.
“Don't be guilt tripped OP. Some parents can't bear the thought of separation from any children, some like me (and you) can see the massive benefits to your older children.”
Another wrote: “Go for it.Your mum will be happy, your baby will be happy and not remember anyway, your older children will be happy and you too. It’s only for a week.
“Your brother's girlfriend may not be happy. So what. Have a great time.”
Another mum recently revealed she was horrified when her four-year-old told his teachers she did something VERY rude for a job.
Meanwhile, a furious Mumsnet user found her nanny left her baby to cry herself to sleep… so who’s in the right?
