I'm traveling alone with my 3-year old. Am I crazy?

[Gringo]

I am moving the entire family from Miami to San Francisco next month (can't wait!) and Next Tuesday I'm going over there for 4 days to get an apartment. I've already got a list of places to visit, so I decided to bring along my 3 year old for the trip. The older son is in school and can stay with afterschool till 6pm, so I thought it would be a great chance for the wife to get some free time to herself to do whatever she wants (art, namely). Once we've moved, she'll need to get a job, and thinds should be pretty hectic. My coworkers say I'm nuts to travel alone with a 3 year old. He's so cute, I thought he'd help me get the rent down!

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. I am traveling this weekend alone with my five year old.

It can actually be a lot of fun. I find it's a great way to bond. You won't be busy doing all of the work stuff and he gets you all to himself. :hugs:

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

2. Not crazy at all

S/he'll love it. And you're his/her Dad, what's wrong with that?

[CanuckAmok]

3. Crazy? That depends if you're leting him drive or not. n/t

[Gringo]

13. YOU PEOPLE! I'm NOT Driving!

We're flying! If I was driving 2800 miles with a 3 year old I really would be nuts!

We'll have to do that all together when we actually move - once will be quite enough!

[Bronco69]

4. Sounds great to me!

:-)

[proud patriot]

5. Yay another DUer for Bay Area Gatherings

please keep us posted .

Bay Area DUers plan activities in Activism/events
so keep your eyes peeled . We'll be meeting for
the March 20th rally please come and join us if you
are able .

No you are not crazy traveling with a 3 year old .
Just stop a lot and let her run around . They have
lots of rest stops along the way . Have fun it's an
adventure . :D

[elfwitch]

6. I say lay back and enjoy it...

Your little person will only be this little for a very short time. Just think about what kind of little person heaven it will be to spend time on an adventure with Daddy.

I have a 2 1/2 year old. Each day is a gift with him. They are so sweet and curious at this age. Savor it while you can.

[KCDem]

7. I just recently drove 1000 miles with my 4- and 2-y-old

No, not crazy. Enjoy the time. I think it's wonderful that you're giving your wife some free time! You rock!

[RebelOne]

8. That's a great idea.

Your wife probably needs a break.

[FunBobbyMucha]

9. I love taking my threesey with me

He's got a bad habit of beginning LITERALLY every sentence with "Hey Daddy," but otherwise he's a gas. We went to downtown Charlotte on a weekday when he was 2 and got free breakfast, free admission to the Discovery Zone, and free swag from the Design museum. Your rent will be reduced--angle for a female landlord and say something when she comes back into the room like "Do you wanna tell HER how pretty you think she is?" He'll either flirt with her or clam up, at which point you shrug and say "He's so shy. That's what he said when you were in the next room."

[Fleshdancer]

10. well if you're crazy, then I'm insane.

I traveled alone with my daughter from Tokyo to the States when she was just 3 months old...infant...12 hour international flight...alone. I thought I was doomed, but suprisingly enough, the flight couldn't have been any more perfect. Several flight attendants didn't even realize an infant was on board because she was so quiet.

Several months ago we moved from Minnesota back to Texas and I drove across country with Abigale (now 3) by myself. I bought a Disney cd with all the princess songs and we had a blast. She was great. I called it our "Thelma and little Louise" trip. Again, I expected the worse and was happily suprised.

My guess is that you are crazy (I am too), but that you'll be pleasantly suprised and it will be a blast for the most part. Take lots of pictures. Who knows...the long term memory really starts to develop at age 3 so this trip could your 3 year old's first big memory. Pretty cool thought, isn't it?

[otohara]

11. I Traveled to Japan w/ my 3 year old

take plenty of Benadryl - (orders from his doctor) It was fun considering we don't speak Japanese. His family in Japan was very grateful I brought him.

[Gringo]

12. We lived in Japan 5 years - came back when he was 3 mos.

It was no problem at all. Grueling flight, though.

[otohara]

14. First Trip Baby was 8 Months Old

grueling truck through the subways w/ baby and stroller - escalators, steps, and more steps. My poor baby had the worst cold. You know how in Japan, people wear masks if they are sick. My baby got lots of stares from weary Japanese.

[geniph]

15. Rather than being crazy, I'd say you're a saint

anyone who voluntarily gives their spouse a break from a 3-year-old for several days deserves to be canonized.

[Pithlet]

16. I bet you'll have a blast.

Lots of other parents of little ones in this thread. My older son will be 3 in a week. My younger is 3 months. I get out with just my 3 year old as often as I can for quality mommy only time. It's great. I wish this age lasted longer.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

17. Bless your heart!

It's a wonderful idea!

You might want to be prepared for a little separation anxiety; but as long as he can talk to Mom on the phone, he'll be ok. Ask your pediatrician about products to keep him comfortable during the flight, as the pressure can be agony for little ears.

You also might want to promise a special trip with your older boy, so he doesn't feel left out.

Your family's lucky to have such a thoughtful dad and husband! :yourock:

[radwriter0555]

18. I traveled around Europe for a month with my 10 year old last year...

she was AWESOME.

Just make SURE you plan a couple of fun things to do for him special, like a trip down to the Monteray Bay Aquarium about an hour or so south of SF, and then on another day, take the kid down to Pier 39 to see the seals!

EVERYONE will know where the seals are.