a WWYD?

joyfullyfound

DH and I are leaders on a humanitarian trip to Cuba next spring with a bunch of teenagers. Tomorrow afternoon until Sunday afternoon there's a training weekend that's mandatory for the teens. I'm supposed to go but I'm playing around with the idea of being a weenie and backing out... Here's the details, and you tell me if you would do it. Oh, and if you can't see my ticker: DS is 2.5 months and DD is 2.5 years. 

It would entail 3+ hours travel time in each direction (including a ferry ride) in a van full of other people, DD missing her nap for 4 days, sleeping communally with the kids and teens on the floor of a church (DD would be in a pack n' play, DS would co-sleep with me, but in the same room as everyone else), minimal help from DH since he'll be busy leading activities, 2 hour hikes both Friday and Saturday with both kids in carriers which DD hates, keeping DD entertained all day during class session and team building exercises, no shower facilities but a daily trip to a pool somewhere, and really late bedtimes. 

The pros to going are meals would be looked after, the teens would probably love to help with DD, and going is the right thing to do since I'm part of the leadership team (there are 6 leaders total). 

Staying home would mean 4 looong days alone with the kids. 

What would you do? 

thechickencoop

Oh fuck no.  I'd stay home.

raraavis28

thechickencoop said:

Oh fuck no.  I'd stay home.

This. You have the perfect excuse. Your DH can fill you in on anything that might be important.

Aussie45

Just reading everything you guys would do made me tired. I'd say just stay home.

joyfullyfound

I should also add, no one's counting on my to contribute anything this weekend - I'd just be going to get to know the teens and so they could get to know me. I already know a few of them, but not all of them.... and there will be other meetings over the next year before the trip, but this one is the only overnight one. 

For the actual trip, we'll be leaving DD behind and taking DS (since he'll most likely still be BFing). 

spring_time

Since you are part of the leadership team and it is a mandatory event for the teens, I think you should go.  I am sure it is part of the whole bonding experience.  There will also be plenty of teenage girls, and even boys, who would love to help out.

Is it possible to participate in the daytime activities and sleep in a hotel/motel at night?  I think my only concern would be bothering others with a crying baby at night.

EDIT: Change of answer.  If there will be other opportunities for you to get to know the teens, I would skip it.

penguingrrl

I definitely think that since there will be other times to get to know the teens and DD won't even be going on the trip I would skip it. It sounds like a lot of extra work for you without much benefit honestly. Taking care of two little kids in those surroundings would be stressful with both parents doing it. If you'll be on your own while your husband does the group stuff that sounds stressful at best.

joyfullyfound

Oh, this makes me feel so much better for considering skipping! So, I'm not crazy? Haha.

I can't leave the kids - DS is EBF, and my parents are away camping. DH's parents are crazy (not literally, but sometimes it feels like it) so we wouldn't leave DD with them overnight, let alone for 3 nights. 

dizzycooks

Not a chance.  I honestly wouldn't even do the trip if I had to bring an EBF baby with me. But you didn't ask me about that.  A weekend like that sounds like hell and it actually sounds unfair to the teens to potentially be distracted by 2 small kids.

I would skip it and plan a fun weekend for yourself and your kids at home.

joyfullyfound

Ok! I'm staying home! I'm so glad you guys convinced me, haha. I think DH will be disappointed... but he can deal :P 

jillyjill1026sr

I know you've already made up your mind, but I'll add in another vote for staying home!