After a wonderful four-day escape just my partner and I, let me tell you: the freedom was heavenly. We reveled in the luxury of sleeping in, waking up at our leisure, and indulging in every whim without a care in the world. Pure bliss, I tell you!
Planning for a getaway—whether it’s a solo trip or a family outing—can be a daunting task. There’s laundry to do, bags to pack, and logistics to manage, not to mention ensuring that the caregivers have everything they need. This includes a detailed list of dos and don’ts, or so one might think.
But here’s the kicker: when we left our kids with their grandparents for a few days, the only instruction we gave was: HAVE FUN. Seriously, that was it!
Okay, I’m not entirely truthful. We did remind the kids to behave, but otherwise, it was a hasty shout of “have fun!” as we dashed out the door. There were no notes on bedtime routines, no reminders about hygiene, and definitely no limits on candy consumption—especially since it was Easter weekend, which meant an avalanche of sweets!
Did our children return a bit wild, sugared up, and with questionable personal hygiene? Absolutely. Did they throw a fit when breakfast didn’t include candy-coated delights? You bet! But, let’s be real: they were already acting like little monsters before their weekend at Grandma’s. Kids are just like that.
Many parents create extensive lists of rules, fearing their children will return from grandparent visits as unruly as ever. Sure, that might happen, but isn’t it worth the trade-off for free childcare and the chance to foster a close bond with family? The memories my kids create with their grandparents are priceless. They learn to trust and respect other adults, which will serve them well as they grow older. They can be silly, play with toys that would drive me nuts, and enjoy bonding time with cousins.
Not every family is as fortunate—some don’t have local grandparents, or they may not be in a position to help. And that’s okay. But if you have willing grandparents, here’s my advice: Embrace it. Let go of the rigid rules and detailed instructions (except for essentials like car seat safety).
Yes, it can be irritating to find your kids returning with bags full of noisy toys and in sugar comas, but those are the memories that last. They will cherish late-night egg hunts with Grandma, silly music videos with cousins, and enough candy to turn their tongues a vibrant blue. They’ll feel loved, free, and a little bit wild.
And it’s not just the kids who benefit. Grandparents appreciate the trust you place in them—they’ve navigated this parenting journey before, after all! They get to create wonderful memories and enjoy time with their grandkids, who can undoubtedly be “little terrors.”
For us parents, it’s a chance to reconnect with our partners and remember what life was like before we became “Mom” and “Dad.” We get to relish uninterrupted sleep and the comforting knowledge that our kids are with people who cherish them almost as much as we do.
So here’s my ultimate instruction list for grandparents: Have fun. And a big thank you for everything you do! Oh, and don’t forget about the car seats.
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Summary:
Leaving kids with grandparents can be a delightful experience for both parents and children. While it may seem daunting to hand over responsibilities, the memories created during these visits are invaluable. A simple instruction of “have fun” can go a long way, allowing kids to bond with their extended family and embrace their childhood freely. Parents, in turn, recharge and reconnect, knowing their children are safe and cherished.
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