We're taking an unexpected trip, out of the country, and leaving our kids for 7 days. They'll be staying with their Grandparents. Their ages are 3.5yrs and 19months (girl and boy respectfully). Any tips, or advice?
Thanks in advance.
Since all the important things were covered by previous posters, try not to get too much sleep or have too much sex!!! ENJOY :)
beyond all the typical instructions you'd leave for any caretaker, be sure that you leave a NOTARIZED letter stating that the grandparents can authorize medical care.
Tip for you: leave with confidence. You're children will know if you're upset. Also, bring a shirt they've worn (but hasn't been washed) so it smells like them when you miss them :)
Tip for them: prepare them as far in advance as possible. Make it seem like a super fun time! It's not going to be easy no matter what, but at least they won't be blindsided. Leave them with pictures and little notes, and maybe give the older child a shirt of yours they can sleep in to keep you close.
Make sure you call every night before bed if it's possible while you're gone. you don't want to make SO much of a big deal about it before you leave that their normal schedules are messed up, but you do want them to be aware. As long as the kiddos know you love them and miss them and that you'll be returning, they'll be okay :)
N.,
Make up a schedule of eat and sleep habits, some of the kids favorites (food, toys,movies,etc) Suggestions for discipline if needed, comforts the kids enjoy or are soothed by ,if they get to missing you and hubby. You want them to stay as close to normal as possible. Make sure you send some of their things to the grandparents. Good Luck, C.
We made a babysitting book with all the vital information a caregiver would need. Everything from a temporary power of attorney, to medications, dosages, allergies, foods likes and dislikes, all my child's contact information...doctors, teachers and other relatives. I also have a copy of our insurance cards as well. As well as his full description, including height, weight, hair color...etc...just in case. I update it every year.
When my husband and I left our kids with my parents, I went out to the $ store and bought them each a little trinket for each day we would be gone. Iwrapped them up and put them in a treasure chest. That way, they'd have something to look forward to each day, and the closer they got to the bottom of the chest, they'd know we would be home soon.
Good luck!
Can you skype with them while you're gone?
There has been lots of good advice posted. But just remember that grandparents were parents once too. The first couple times we'd go out of town, i'm pretty sure I exhasperated my mom with my abundance of information. The notarized care letter is must have. Grocery shopping in advance is another really good thing. Just relax and have a good trip!
Good suggestions here already. Also leave photos of yourself in case it's needed. When I was in the hospital my 3 yr old DD could not be consoled until my BIL suggested she have my photo with her while she fell asleep - it worked like a charm.
Describe to your children how much fun they are going to have with grandma & grandpa. Let them choose some movies to rent or buy, bring some old favorites with them (assuming they're going to granparents' house) - such as pillows, blankets, even box of cereal, favorite snacks, food. Suggest that grandma and grandpa try to keep scheule and diet close to original but allow them to do special things that they dont' always get to do with you (special playground, desert, the last night before you come home sleeping in grandparent's living room like a campout, etc.)
I hope the trip is for fun!
My suggestion would be to arrange some play dates ahead of time, and try to get the kids to stick to their "normal" schedule. Make sure the grandparents know of local activities to do in the area, Bounce House, Jungle Java, mall play area, fast food restaurants with play areas.
I'd also make sure you go grocery shopping ahead of time, and leave a detailed list of foods the kids like/dislike/are allergic too.
Enjoy your vacation!
make sure you have a notorised letter giving the granparents permission to seek medical attention for each child and you need a number on the autorisation where you can be reached. if you are calling your child to talk to them make sure it isn't near bedtime because it makes it difficult for the child to go relax and go to sleep. let the grandparents know what a typical day is and the childs regular routine .
