Last weekend, Husband and I went away without the kids for the first time since Son was born 4 1/2 years ago. It was divine. Napping, bicycling, and dining without a care about racing home to relieve the babysitter. Husband’s Mother flew up from Florida to take care of Son and Daughter. Our trip was long overdue but let’s face it – it’s hard to leave your kids and often harder to fine someone you trust to care for them. We’re lucky that Grandma is willing and able to care for her grandkids (for four days! – Okay, it was a long weekend away.) The kids were happy. We were happy.

The truth is:

1. It’s easier to leave the kids for a day or more when they’re older than infants and you have more than one. You don’t spend the entire weekend worrying and feeling guilty (although we couldn’t escape discussing them quite a bit).

2. It’s good to have enough time and space to look at your family and home from a broader view and do some long range planning.

With children under five around the house, we’re so busy simply getting through each day, there’s rarely time for bigger discussions. A weekend away restored our balance. I hope you have the opportunity to get away soon, too.