leaving children for 6 months

Kimberley82

balletshoes wrote: »

but wouldn't you miss them - a lot?
My DD goes to her gran's for sometimes 2 weeks at a time each school summer holidays, and I rattle around missing her loads every single time. I go to work, I plan to DIY, spring clean etc, just to keep busy so I'm not constantly missing her - it doesn't really work, I still miss her and I couldn't conceive how awful that would feel for a whole 6 months.

But, as I said before, if you can do it, you want to do it, and all of your family are happy with it, then I wouldn't judge you if you went for it.

Yes I would miss them, They often go to their grand parents for 2 weeks at a time, I miss them but dont rattle round the house, I make the most of it, go on dates with my husband, go out with friends, go shopping, sleep in.

kingfisherblue

I couldn't do it, but everyone is different and it isn't what I think that matters. It's what your children, your husband and you think. It's your dream job, and whilst others may not understand, do their opinions really matter?

Looking at a couple of positives:
* it could lead to future employment because you could get a good reference
* you could gain new friends
* your children could follow your journey on a map and learn more about the countries you visit
* you could post letters to them and they could collect the stamps (I know stamp collecting is no longer a popular hobby, but most chioldren are interested in them if they come from another country)
* you can see them frequently via webcam
* letters can enhance their reading skills and will give them something to look forward to
* you can gather small nicknacks from different countries - most kids enjoy receiving small presents, especially if you send them by post

There are negatives as well, not least not being able to kiss your children goodnight, but I'm sure that you are aware of them.

Will you regret it if you don't take the opportunity? Will you regret it if you do?

Kimberley82

whitewing wrote: »

6 months as head stylist on a cruise ship?

As a one-off trip, with husband's agreement and encouragement, then yes. But not 6 months at a time for the next 20 years.

But be prepared for family to think it is a terrible idea. What does your husband really think?

I feel a chick-flick coming on.

he has said as I have always surported him in his carea he will do the same for me

FBaby

What are your current arrangement at the moment? Are you the primary carer, have you always been? Even if it is the case, that doesn't mean that your husband can't suddenly take on that role and all being very happy, but it certainly would make me more anxious going away if that was the case. If however your husband is already very hands-on and the kids are used to you not being around for some period of time, it might be easier for them to adjust.

Kimberley82

FBaby wrote: »

What are your current arrangement at the moment? Are you the primary carer, have you always been? Even if it is the case, that doesn't mean that your husband can't suddenly take on that role and all being very happy, but it certainly would make me more anxious going away if that was the case. If however your husband is already very hands-on and the kids are used to you not being around for some period of time, it might be easier for them to adjust.

neither of us is the main care giver, we have both always pitched in

an9i77

I think the answer is - how will this affect the children? At 8 and 6 they're not tiny, but still quite young and 6 months to a 6 year old is a long time. Do you think they'll be upset if you go? If so then it's a no brainer - you shouldn't do it. But I don't know your kids, or how you'd explain it to them.

Personally i don't think i could do it, I'd be too afraid that my kids would be affected by it. But then I've read up on a lot of child psychology inc Bowlby's attachment theory and studies done in the 50s when children were at that time not allowed contact with parents when they were put in hospital, for a number of months at a time, and it was proven to cause emotional disturbances in the child.

I know this is a bit different cos one parents still about. Still it would make me think twice.

whitewing

I do feel inclined to say 'go for it' - when else are you likely to have a similar opportunity?

happyhaddock_2

I personally couldn't be without my children, sorry x

Kimberley82

an9i77 wrote: »

I think the answer is - how will this affect the children? At 8 and 6 they're not tiny, but still quite young and 6 months to a 6 year old is a long time. Do you think they'll be upset if you go? If so then it's a no brainer - you shouldn't do it. But I don't know your kids, or how you'd explain it to them.
Personally i don't think i could do it, I'd be too afraid that my kids would be affected by it. But then I've read up on a lot of child psychology inc Bowlby's attachment theory and studies done in the 50s when children were at that time not allowed contact with parents when they were put in hospital, for a number of months at a time, and it was proven to cause emotional disturbances in the child.

I know this is a bit different cos one parents still about. Still it would make me think twice.

They are 8 and 9 not 8 and 6.

I do feel in ways they will find it upsetting but I dont feel it is going to damage them

an9i77

Can't you wait til they are older, like teenagers, then do something like this?