It’s finally happening!  The first adult vacation without kids you have taken since becoming a mom.  You are excited and terrified.  Deep down you know you need and deserve time alone but the guilt is overwhelming.

From experience, I’m going to give you a few steps you can take to make this vacation a little less traumatic for yourself and your kids.

Tips For Mom

Let go of the guilt.

Seriously.  You are a person, your own person, who has likes and dislikes that have nothing to do with being a parent.  You need time to remember who you are as a person, who you are besides just a mom.  There is NOTHING wrong with taking a little time off and going on a vacation without kids.

Make sure you have chosen a capable sitter for your vacation.

We usually rely on grandparents so we feel more then comfortable but if you are using a non-family member, perhaps try a dry run or at least a night out before the actual trip.

Plan Ahead!

This will at least make you feel like you are in control even while you are away.  Make the list of every doctor you have and all the emergency numbers if it makes you feel better.  Leave a list of all the kid’s favorite places to go or things to do.  Stock the pantry with all their favorite foods.  Make sure all their normal medications and emergency medications are handy.  Go into overdrive with the prepping.

Don’t Panic

When you start to panic about the “what ifs” remember they are just that.  They are not certainties, they are only possibilities (and probably crazy ones that only moms can make up).

 Check out THESE tips for handling that mom anxiety.

Plan for Communication

Allow yourself only a certain amount of phone calls each day during your vacation.  If you set a limit of 2 keep it at 2.  You have chosen a capable sitter and they will call if there is an emergency.  You do not need to micromanage their care while you are away.

Tips for Kids

Prepare them for fun!

Talk up this vacation like it is the best thing ever.  Our 3 year old knew that her grandma was staying with her while we were gone so we talked about it every day for at least two months before we left.  By the time our trip came she was too excited for this visit with her grandma to care we were leaving.

Countdown Chart

Leave a chart on the fridge for your kids to mark off each day until you return from vacation.  Grab the printable version here.

Lastly, HAVE A GOOD TIME.  This vacation will allow you to recharge and come back refreshed.  A well-rested mom is a better mom!

Remember that you have prepared ahead of time, thought of everything and your kids are in good hands!  No need to have any anxiety while you are trying to relax!