Recently, my partner and I enjoyed a blissful four-day getaway, completely free of our kids. Just the two of us, relishing the freedom to wake up and sleep at our leisure, and do whatever we wished without interruption. It was absolutely heavenly!
Preparing for a break, whether with or without children, always requires a mountain of tasks. Laundry, packing, organizing rides for the kids, and ensuring that the caregivers have everything they might need—including a comprehensive list of rules for taking care of the kids.
But here’s the reality: the only instruction we left for the grandparents was, “HAVE FUN.” That’s it. Well, we did remind our kids not to be little terrors, but beyond that, we dashed out the door with just that simple directive.
There were no lengthy guidelines about bedtimes, bathing routines, or candy limitations. In fact, it was Easter weekend, so candy was everywhere.
Did we come home to hyper little monsters who protested when asked to do chores the next day? Sure. Did they sulk at the idea of not having syrup-laden, sprinkle-covered chocolate waffles for breakfast? Absolutely. Were they cranky and lacking in basic hygiene? Without a doubt.
Were they a bit unruly? Perhaps. But honestly, they were already acting that way before their stay with Grandma and Grandpa. Kids, by nature, can be quite the handful.
Some parents create extensive lists, lamenting that their children behave worse after spending time with grandparents. While that may hold some truth, it’s a minor trade-off for free childcare and the chance for kids to bond with their extended family—allowing parents a much-needed break.
The value of spending time with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins is immeasurable. Kids learn to trust and respect adults other than their parents, which is crucial as they enter their teenage years. They can be silly, play with quirky toys like kazoos and Whoopee Cushions—items that I wouldn’t tolerate at home. They enjoy secret adventures with cousins, creating memories and perhaps making goofy videos. They relish being spoiled, even if it’s with cheap plastic toys and sugary snacks.
I understand that not all grandparents are the same. Some families lack nearby relatives, while others may have grandparents who are unable or unwilling to take on caregiving responsibilities. But if your children are lucky enough to have involved grandparents, take full advantage of it.
So, let go of the rigid rules and extensive lists—except for car seat requirements, of course. Yes, it can be frustrating when your kids return home on a sugar high with an assortment of annoying toys. But these are the experiences your children will cherish. They will remember late-night Easter egg hunts with Grandma, choreographing silly music videos with cousins, and indulging in enough lollipops to turn their tongues blue for days. They will recall the feeling of love and freedom.
Grandparents, in turn, benefit from this too. It shows them that you trust them, allowing them to rekindle their parenting skills while enjoying quality time with their grandchildren. They get to create countless joyful memories, sharing laughter and stories.
As parents, this time away means reconnecting with your partner and rediscovering what life was like before you became “Mom” and “Dad.” It’s a chance to enjoy a well-deserved break from the chaos of parenting, knowing your kids are in loving hands. And let me tell you, a good night’s sleep? Absolutely glorious.
Thus, my message to the grandparents is simple: Have fun. And thank you. Oh, and remember those car seats!
In case you’re interested in related topics, check out our post on Couples’ Fertility Journey for Intracervical Insemination, or learn more about the difference between IVF and ICSI, as well as visiting this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Leaving the kids with grandparents can be a wonderful experience for both the children and the grandparents. While parents may feel the urge to create detailed instructions, sometimes the best advice is simply to “have fun.” Kids gain invaluable experiences that help them grow, while parents enjoy much-needed time away to reconnect and recharge. Ultimately, these moments create lasting memories for everyone involved.