Last year, I took four weeks off parenting to fly back to Australia alone. This year, guess what? I did it again. Now, that might seem like a lot for some people, but it’s also something that comes with the territory of moving to another country.
The distance, the cost, the jetlag… it all adds up. Two weeks would be tiring, but doable. Three is better. Four is… well absolutely fantastic with a trace of indulgence.
So, I’d been encouraging hubby to take a break of his own. Not because it was owed – because I have a right to go see my family – but because he can. And since we’re not keen on taking a small child to India, off he went on his own.
And it ended up being a perfectly timed two weeks. The last of Sam’s sniffles sniffled away as spring sent a breath of warm air through the land. This meant big chunks of time could be wasted simply by hanging out in the garden, visiting the petting zoo, or simply… walking home from daycare (it’s a 2 minute drive but we can easily make it last an hour or more on foot stopping to look at everything). And we also got to enjoy watching the first summer storm come in.
Was it stressful at times? Sure. Was I glad I had stocks of meals in the freezer? Absolutely. But I’m lucky there was no sickness, my work is a bit flexible, and the in-laws are not too far away. Did I freak out when I found a hornet in the house? Yes! Did I run outside and ask the neighbour to come deal with it? I sure did! But the second time it happened, I proudly handled it myself.
And at the end of two weeks I was a bit behind on things, but feeling good. And I still got my swims in both weeks! I enjoyed the extra bonding time with Sammy after my trip away, and I’m quite sure he did too.
Is it something a lot of people round here do? Take weeks off away from their child for solo adventures? I’m guessing not. But you have to take the time and chances you can. And we are lucky that we have a good work/life balance here to make it possible.
And now Sam is talking about India. About how he wants to visit the Golden Temple. He’s wide-eyed to be tasting the cookies his dad bought back for him. He’s developing a palate for chai tea. And he proudly shows everyone his prayer beads. Now, let’s be realistic, it’s unlikely this experience will awaken in him a life-long passion to travel India… but it has added an element of adventure to his small-town life. It’s broadened his horizons, and he didn’t even have to go anywhere.
I figure, that can’t be at all bad for a kid!
an aussie in austria 