Stephanie's Oswald's baby Taryn with Carl in charge.
Valerie Kessler's baby Jolie with Randy in charge
Taryn and Carl
Jolie and Randy
Tip 1:
Do leave a meal plan, but don't expect it to be followed.
Tip 2:
Do have faith in his ability to do the job, but don't consider this a test.
Tip 3:
Don't keep it a secret that Mommy's going away on a "sleepover" with her girlfriends.
Tip 4:
Do circle your coming and going dates on the calendar.
Tip 5:
Don't let the kids make you feel guilty for going.
Tip 6:
Do give yourself permission to go!
Tip 7:
Don't forget to leave the pediatrician's number, both sets of grandparents' numbers and your best friend's number in bold ink on the refrigerator.
Tip 8:
Do leave Dad with the name and number of the place where you are staying (but do not leave it for the kids to see).
Tip 9:
Do have your closest friend (who isn't traveling with you!) casually check on the family while you're gone.
Tip 10:
Don't stress out too much if your kids miss a birthday party or sporting event. There will be more.
Tip 11:
Do mark up a calendar with important events, including locations and directions. This will make it easier for Dad to take care of things such as tutoring, carpool duty and music lessons. Use Post-it notes to help with the explaining.
Tip 12:
Do call in during your all-girl getaway, but don't overdo it with the checking… and see #13.
Tip 13:
Don't make promises to call on a schedule. Your getaway should not revolve around your family at home. You are on a much-deserved break!
Tip 14:
Do go shopping for the house before your trip. (No, you shouldn't have to, and yes, he knows how to get to the grocery store - but this is about giving yourself peace of mind while you're gone.) This way you know there is healthy food at home for the kids to eat.
Tip 15:
Do put out some clothes for any infants/toddlers so that Dad doesn't have to figure out what matches (unless his child-dressing abilities are above average).
Tip 16:
Do bring home small gifts for the family. It will make it easier to go the next time around.
Tip 17:
Do expect him to brag about this for a while if you come home and the house is still standing and the kids (and Dad) have survived with no major trauma.
Tip 18:
Don't forget to leave an instruction sheet for any children who can't speak for themselves, including bedtime, eating habits and any food that is off-limits. This should also include any "routine" issues, such as what needs to be done at bedtime or bath time. Even if he has seen you do it or done it with you a hundred times, it's always different when you're on your own the first time.
Tip 19:
Do have faith that he will do the best he can, and it will all be fine.
Tip 20:
Thank Dad for taking over while you're gone.
