For those of you at Panera Bread off Martinsville Road: I am at the table near the window, with a red coat and orange sweater/scarf. Stop by to say hello!

Of course, absolutely, 100% “YES” get away without the kids…and in fact, pick time to get away from everyone! I frequently take, what I call “Spa-tacular Getaways” and enjoy a few days at a spa to rejuvenate and allow the absence to help my heart grow fonder of my children and my spouse. Whatever it is that finds you enjoying life and adding a spring back into your step—go for it! When I go for my Spa-tacular getaway, I usually go with friends, my Mom or my Aunts. The best part of the getaway is doing nothing! Really! It’s the “nothingness” that becomes the gift in itself! We enjoy carefree days, pleasant unscheduled meals and of course, a spa visit to meet every need. It’s important for me to make the spa part of my day at the core center of the outing so it creates a surround of peace, tranquility, quiet, music and soul-time. When I return from a getaway, I am so recharged and prepared to appreciate the family again since I’ve become reacquainted with myself. In return, my children and husband feel inspired by my newness and love me even more for being a happy person upon my return home. If a Spa-tacular getaway isn’t for you, try a Pocono hike, a Canyon climb or an easy island sail away from others. The key is to allow for the quiet to find its way into your mind and cleanse your thinking—this renewed version of YOU will go a long way in your personal happiness!

One of the pleasures of my trip was just clothes shopping with the girls since my friend has a daughter! Going shopping with either of my two sons usually means heading to a skateboard, ski or surf shop!

Great topic! And now that I have teens, I have a completely different perspective than when they were little. We never went away without them. With no local family to watch them, our vacations were rentals at Lake George, LBI, or Disneyworld. I wish we had been able to travel without them occasionally to enjoy things we couldn't do with them.

Time warp to 2012 (how did that happen?) and they're not interested in coming. They have cars, friends, jobs. And the school breaks and costs are limiting. It's a different world, and we don't even travel much these days as we save for college.

I'm glad I took photos of our vacations together, because it's amazing how young we were, and that we all smiled at the camera without thinking about how our hair looked, and the kids thought we were the greatest. HA!

I think a little of both is healthy. I have been away without the kids and, whilst not missing them all the time and feeling deliciously spoiled by the downtime, was thrilled to come home to the simple pleasures of hugs and family chatter. I have to say, though, that our best memories are those when we are all together and enjoying the change of scenery from cell phones, TV, PCs and extended family. I witness great moments between my kids that they never share at home as they're so rarely together. I actually sit down with them and play a game or discuss issues in the news instead of folding laundry and cleaning the bathrooms. So, yeah, a little of both -- but please don't push me into making a choice between goind away with or without them as the kids might read this and then I'd really be in trouble!

No, i only go away as a family. I think getting away on your own is a great idea. I don't have anyone to watch my children for an extended period of time like that. I'm in that spot that Ellen mentioned -- kids who want to go on vacations and when we do go, it's a blast and lots of fun family time. That said, I'd be happy to take a long weekend away sans children. It is not in the cards at the moment though.

I KNOW the feeling of having no one around to take young children...maybe you can arrange a refreshing day trip, TJ! There are some pretty good wineries nearby in NJ where you can have a sophisticated adult day with only a few hours to spare! Anyone have any other ideas for a fairly brief getaway without children?

I may be in the minority, but I must say, I absolutely love to vacation with my children and wouldn't have it any other way!! It is great family time together. We actually talk, rather than text and I don't have to chauffeur anyone to sports and activities!! When my boys were younger, I got so much excitement of watching their reactions to every new place we visited and experienced. As they got older, we went to all-inclusive resorts which gave my children a chance to explore all the many activities on their own while I relaxed. They were independent, yet we were together as a family. We've gone on some amazing cruises exploring the Caribbean and participated in really cool activities-zip lining 2500 feet over the ocean of Haiti, underwater scootering on the sea floor in Mexico, riding a segway in St. Maarten. Just great connecting time with my family! With one son soon to be off to college and the other to follow right behind, I'll always value and treasure every moment spent with my children! Thank goodness I have a hobby of digital scrapbooking to remember all the beautiful memories!

I have always taken our kids with us on vacation. There is absolutely no reason not to. They have been exposed to many places and people that they otherwise would not have seen. Our vacations evolved from Disney World and Williamsburg to National Parks and then abroad as the kids got older. If you want a vacation that allows you to take them and still have a "break", book a cruise. You will enjoy your evenings with your husband while the kids play/hang out with other kids the same age in the kids' lounges. Royal Caribbean had the best kids' services we experienced....

I love to vacation with my family. To have everyone together on a new adventure creates great memories and allows us to reconnect. The same can be said of the many trips I have taken without my family. In this life, friends are important too! Also, getaways without my family give me a break from being the "taskmaster" and pursue my own interests. No harm in a 2 or 3 night trip with friends. I say go for both!

Family time, family vacations, and time for parents (alone) and alone and together, even for a day trip without the children is healthy no matter what the age of the child. Yes, children grow up fast and soon will have no interest in joining you on your family vacations but even when they are younger it is important for parents to be able to recharge their batteries and for couples to be able to have time away alone to keep their relationship strong and healthy. If there are no local friends to help watch young children then saving up a few extra dollars a month so a sitter can watch them overnight is a good investment in your family. Children need to be taught that time alone is not selfish but a healthy and couples need to remember that keeping their relationship alive and healthy is one of the most important things that parents can do for their children. A healthy marriage equates to a healthy family