Absolutely, I would be down with that. My kids are 7 and 5, and DS gets super bored in the summer child care program (which DD will be aging into this next summer). I usually work (this summer I had surgery instead), so pulling them out isn't really an option. I have really good memories of visiting my own grandparents, and going to "child safety" classes at their local rec center (they taught us how to look both ways before crossing the street), and playing with my cousins.
And then I remember being sent off to spend a week with my mom's dad one summer, and it being really awkward and weird. He didn't talk much, and his plans involved touring Amish country with teenagers. At one point, we went to Hershey Park, but couldn't go on any rides. It was not well thought out.
I think grandparent or cousin camp has to be taken on a case by case basis, but the article has sound suggestions, and I think a week with loving grandparents could be a great vacation for everybody. Basically, assuming that you have a decent relationship with the grandparents involved, the plans pass muster as sensible and likely to be fun, and your kids know them and are comfortable with them, I think it's great.
As long as you were sure they could handle it and the kids were excited, sure. I don't think either of my parents or ILs could handle such a thing, though.
This. I don't think I'd trust any of my kid's grandparents with that until the kids were old enough to understand and set firm boundaries and find a way back home if necessary.
I like the idea in theory. In practice not so much, just because the grandparents involved (my mom & inlaws) aren't trustworthy. Except my dad who wouldn't do it anyway, two days with my kids is his limit. We have some adopted grandparents and great-aunts who could probably handle it though. The other thing is that my kids have no cousins, I'm an only and DH's sister is childless, so there would be no cousin fun time.
On the other hand, I have wonderful memories of playing with my many cousins while visiting grandparents. When I was a tween/teen I traveled solo to visit a favorite aunt (several hundred miles away) for a week or two each summer and it was great. I think it really depends on the family dynamic.
It would depend on the grandma. If my own mother, it would be a great idea. But she would never come up with an idea like that. Thats why i trust her in the first place.
I mean, visiting relatives, great. Why does everything have to be a 'camp'?
Dd did this with my parents last summer for a week and it was wonderful for everyone and they all talk about it often. They are already planning round 2 for this year.
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