A mum has divided opinion online over her plans to jet off on holiday with her eight-month-old baby - while her older child and husband are left at home.
Taking to Mumsnet, the woman explained that she is desperate for a "change of scenery" and is hoping to sort a three-day trip to either Spain or Portugal, but doesn't want to take her older child out of nursery for such a short vacation.
The parent added that she and her husband already have a family holiday planned for later in the year that both youngsters will be going on, so her eldest will still get to enjoy a trip abroad, the Mirror reports.
In her post, she said: "I'm currently on maternity leave with an 8-month-old baby and need a change of scenery after a hard time recently.
"Have checked with my husband and he is happy to look after our older child, who would be at nursery during the week.
"Is it a terrible idea to take the baby on a trip? It would be three nights in Spain or Portugal for ease and a quick flight. We live close to a big airport.
"Can do a few days for about £400 all inclusive. We are having a bigger family holiday later in the year too so my husband and our other child wouldn’t miss out in that sense.
"We can afford this too. Our baby is really chilled and goes with the flow for the most part so it is a doddle in that sense.
"I would love to wander around, sit by the pool and splash with the baby, read a book when he naps, and have a glass of wine on the balcony.
"Part of me thinks it’s a great idea to get away and another part feels guilty for leaving my older child, but I’m not sure if I have blinkers on!"
Commenters on the post were split, as while some said the mum deserves a break and there's nothing wrong with heading away to Spain with just her baby, others said it was wrong to leave the older child at home.
One person said: "I think it sounds like a lovely idea. A toddler and baby is hard work. So a few days of R&R with the baby sounds blissful. And will do wonders for you."
While another added: "A rare opportunity for a break before your maternity leave ends? Go for goodness sake and enjoy."
But someone else disagreed, stating: "I do think it’s weird to take only one child on holiday and leave your other child (who would probably get more out of it) at home. Surely you can just take them out of nursery and bring both kids? Sounds mean."
And a fourth wrote: "I wouldn't leave the older one at home. It's already a difficult time for them with not being the only child and then mum disappears with the baby for a few days to go and have fun."
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