The survey, by bottle sterilising company Milton, shows that
the majority (81%) of parents have not had a holiday on their own since their
first baby. Of the remaining 19% who have been on a holiday as a couple, 62%
have only done so once.
We actually had our first ever night away from the boys
recently, nearly four years in. Even then we were away from them less than 24
hours, and no further than five miles away. Though now we know they're happy at
Granny's we'll certainly take advantage!
Our one and only holiday with the boys since James arrived
(19 months ago) was a challenge. It reminded me of the saying "You know
you're a parent when holidays feel like work, and a trip to the supermarket
alone feels like a holiday".
I'm actually a bit surprised that only 38% of parents try to
keep to their baby or child's sleep and mealtime routine while on holiday, because
all hell can break loose if they're overtired or hungry. We planned that trip specifically to stay close to family
who could babysit. I'd be nervous to use holiday kids' clubs or childminders,
especially as the boys are so young. In the survey, three-quarters of parents said
they'd refuse to use a babysitting service in the evening. Only 10% use creche
facilities, and even then, 30% say they feel guilty about doing so.
Some parents decided to come home early because of the stress
of being with their baby and/or children. How devastating, after looking forward to it. For
the next few years, I think we'll stay part of the 25% of parents who decided
not to have a family holiday at all.
by Kate Richards
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