I recently returned from a short getaway, and for the very first time, I left my children home alone without any adult supervision. Before anyone rushes to the authorities, it’s worth noting that half of my kids are technically adults (or so their ID says). So legally, I was in the clear.
That said, it wasn’t a stress-free experience. In fact, as departure day approached, I noticed my hair shedding more than usual, and a gnawing anxiety was settling in my stomach. Nightmares of disastrous headlines plagued my sleep: “Reckless Parents Meet Tragic Fate on Vacation” … “Kids Abandoned, Arrested for Snack Theft” … “House Party Causes $20k in Damages.” Oh boy, what had I gotten myself into?
To clarify, I often engage in debates with my partner about various issues, from parenting to furniture arrangements to which appetizers to order. But when he suggested a solo trip over six months ago, it was hard to argue against it. The deal was fantastic — affordable flights and lodging — and our eldest was about to turn 21, while the other three were mostly self-sufficient (hygiene habits aside, which, let’s face it, might take a while to improve). Plus, our neighborhood watch is top-notch, and my kids were well aware that my phone would be like the Batphone should any chaos erupt.
However, as the departure date loomed, I still felt uneasy. “My parents left me alone for a week when I was in high school,” my husband reminded me. I shot him the look (you know the one).
I spent days preparing: cooking, drafting endless lists, texting every neighbor within a five-mile radius, and threatening my kids with dire consequences. If there were to be a wild party in my absence, heads would roll. It would be a race to see who could snitch first.
Finally, we packed our bags and joined friends who, like us, had a healthy appreciation for Happy Hour, and we headed to Myrtle Beach for three days. Myrtle Beach is lovely but, oh man, it is sweltering hot in August! (Could this be why Happy Hours are so popular there? I think yes.)
Three days is not a long time, but we made the most of it. We lounged by day and shared laughs over drinks by night. The kids checked in occasionally, and only one text came from the neighborhood watch. When I realized the house wasn’t on fire and nobody seemed to be at each other’s throats, I had to (cue the popular song) let it go.
We rented a car, but opted for cabs each night to be responsible. It turned out my kids were being responsible too.
Upon our return, my 19-year-old daughter let out a sigh of relief as she walked in from work. “I’m so glad you’re back,” she said, flopping down next to me on the couch. Ah, the joys of responsibility can be exhausting, right?
My 15-year-old son was practically bursting with excitement. “Mom, come check this out!” He led me to the kitchen, tapping the fruit bowl that held a completely blackened banana and what looked like ancient apples. Suddenly, a swarm of fruit flies erupted into the air. Mental note: “Throw away the rotten fruit” should be added to next time’s checklist.
But will there be a next time? Perhaps someday, but definitely not anytime soon. I think I need to wait for my hair to start growing back before considering another solo trip.
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Summary
Leaving the kids home alone for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience for any parent. Despite the initial anxiety and stress, a vacation can turn out to be a much-needed break. It’s important to prepare thoroughly and trust that your kids can handle the responsibility, even if it means returning to a few surprises.