Kid-Free Parents: Tips On What To Leave Behind

Everyone needs a vacay- even Dad and Mom.  Kid-free trips, whether it be a day, night, weekend or even a week-long vacay, it feels good to unwind.

I don’t know about you but my husband and I definitely need “couples-time.”   It helps grow our marriage and gives us opportunity to focus on just us. We happily spend day in and day out with  PreciousBoy and it’s not that we do not enjoy all of our time with our little 15 month old bundle of joy, but time away sometimes, gives us a way to keep the marriage as the center of our family.

Setting everyone up for success prior to departure is key to a relaxed and stress-free trip. Surprisingly, preparation to travel without your little one is far more in depth. I have compiled a list of things to consider prior to your vacay.

Get legal documents together. There is nothing fun about preparing for the worst case scenario but its better to be safe than sorry. Place all items in a folder labeled and easily located.

• Will
• Life insurance policy
• Long-term guardian
• Power of attorney
• Temporary guardianship form

Informational binder: Get out a binder and compile all need-to-know items. The person watching over your child may not be aware of your daily schedule, important foods or doctor information.

• Birth certificate
• Insurance card
• Immunization record
• Passport or identification
• List of allergies
• Basic daily routine
• Food preferences
• List of phone numbers: Family members and area hospitals

It is also a great idea to stock up on all of your essentials, weather staying at your place or going elsewhere these items will be needed.

• Diaper
• Wipes
• Sippy Cups/bottles
• Storage Containers
• Sun Screen
• Shampoo
• Bibs
• Snacks
• Bug spray
• Electronics
• Crafts
• Clothing
• Pack n play
• Sheets
• Blankets
• High chair
• Toys
• Stroller
• Baby monitor

Be sure to provide items for your children to feel comfortable even away from you. There are several ways to do this. Here are just a few ideas:

• Countdown calendar for your return date
• Wrap a few gifts that can be handed out during tough moments are as a reward
• Create a YouTube account. Pre-record fun videos from you to him/her
• Purchase a special stuff animal to watch over them while you are away

Depending on your child’s age will determine what will comfort him/her while your away. Be sure to test a few of these ideas before assuming they work. (When we tried to video with our son who was under a year old, he panicked and then cried when he saw us).  Leaving a few gifts for him to open, maybe a picture of us would have been better.

If someone is taking care of your child at your home, try to make things easy. Set out daily outfits, configure a meal plan for your child and the caretakers (purchase items before hand). How would you like to be set for dinner overnight? Just try to make things as easy as possible.

Then, enjoy your time away from home to the fullest!

Katie Girl