Family time is crucial, and I cherish it immensely, but as my children reached ages 6 and 7, I realized they were becoming increasingly independent. They can now order their own meals at restaurants, express if they’re too warm or cool, and even grab a sweater when needed. They have developed the skills to pick out their own outfits for school, articulate their favorite breakfast items, and tie their shoelaces. They know where the extra toilet paper is stored and can read most school notices and tell the time.
These milestones signaled to me that it was finally time for my partner and me to break away from the daily grind—the endless lists of laundry, dinner prep, and homework—and enjoy some much-needed couple time. Our kids have experienced a wonderfully idyllic childhood so far. Despite living in an area with exceedingly affordable daycare (just $7 a day, Canadian!), we chose not to enroll them. Thanks to my teaching schedule and my partner’s job as a sommelier, we’ve been able to create the ideal routine for our children.
My mornings start with getting the kids up, dressed, and fed before dropping them off at school. Their dad picks them up for lunch, prepares their meals from scratch, and then takes them back after. He also picks them up from school later in the afternoon. Afterward, I’m in charge of bath time, homework, and bedtime stories, while tackling housework and laundry late at night. It’s a fantastic setup for them, with lots of quality time spent with both parents, nutritious homemade meals, and a clean home.
But where does that leave us as a couple? Our interactions often consist of a peck in the morning and a quick chat in the driveway. Weekends are consumed by swimming and judo classes, leaving us with only Sundays to reconnect as a family. We fell in love in our early 30s and quickly started our family, leading to a whirlwind of activity. While we get along splendidly and share a strong bond, the demands of family life can easily pull us apart if we’re not careful.
To avoid that fate, we decided to embark on a three-week adventure without the kids. We entrusted their care to the grandparents, providing them with detailed instructions, schedules, and emergency contacts. With our backpacks in tow, we ventured through Cuba, opting for a spontaneous journey without reservations. Our limited Spanish was compensated with plenty of gestures, and we enjoyed days filled with no cell service and intermittent internet access.
From sleeping on the beach to indulging in inexpensive street pizzas and midnight rum by the Malecon in Havana, we embraced the thrill of adventure. Each day was dictated by our whims rather than obligations. We explored museums, snorkeled, hiked, and read in public parks while the other fished. The lack of stress and the absence of daily responsibilities reignited our passion and intimacy.
At 40, we felt youthful again, relishing in conversations that spanned everything from our kids to our aspirations. I knew that with my daughter’s wild imagination and my son’s fascination with Ghostbusters, maintaining a strong relationship with my partner was crucial. I want to model a loving partnership for them—one that they can aspire to in their own futures. I don’t want to lose what we have built together.
Ultimately, our trip was a reminder that nurturing our relationship is just as important as caring for our family. I don’t regret our choices; they’ve resulted in happy, healthy, and kind children. But one day they will grow up and leave home, and I want them to have memories of a loving family dynamic that they can cherish and emulate in their own lives.
For those considering similar journeys, check out this home insemination kit article for insights on family planning. For more resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit CCRM’s blog or explore this 21-piece at-home insemination kit for valuable information.
Summary:
In a world where family commitments can overshadow romantic relationships, my partner and I took a three-week trip to reconnect. By leaving our children with their grandparents, we explored Cuba and reignited our bond through adventure and intimacy. This experience underscored the importance of maintaining a strong partnership while raising our kids, setting a positive example for their future relationships.
Leave a Reply