One mom was caught off guard when she learned that her partner planned a two-week vacation in Fiji — not just with their kids, but also with his ex-wife and their daughters. The trip was organized by her partner’s ex, who had booked the entire getaway months in advance, right at the start of the school year. While the mom expected to join the family, she later realized that her own son would miss crucial school days if they went. Now, she’s left wondering how her partner could prioritize this trip over their children’s education.
In her own words, the mom said she wants to see the girls happy and having a great time. That’s sweet, but it raises eyebrows when considering the context. The trip includes her partner’s ex, and with the booking already set, it feels like a strange choice. The mom’s son is gearing up to start Year 10, while her partner’s daughters are facing important transitions themselves, heading into Year 7 and Year 12 at new schools. Missing the start of a school year isn’t ideal for anyone, especially when the kids are at such pivotal stages.

The situation gets stickier as the mom reflects on the two-week vacation. She finds it unacceptable that her partner would spend that time essentially being single while on holiday with her ex and his family. It’s not just about the trip; it’s about the absence of consideration for what it could mean for their relationship. One would think priorities would align around the kids’ education and family dynamics, yet here they are planning a resort vacation with the ex.
People had very different reactions to the story on Reddit. Some thought it was perfectly fine for the mom’s partner to go on holiday with her ex, especially if they are co-parenting and fostering a good relationship for the kids. They argued that the trip could be a good way to create positive memories for the girls and maintain a peaceful environment.
Others sharply disagreed, suggesting that the timing of the trip showed a lack of judgment and respect for the needs of the children. Missing the start of the school year can impact their academic performance significantly. They also questioned how the mom was feeling about her partner’s choice to prioritize a vacation with an ex over their son’s educational responsibilities.
Some commentators pointed out the complexities of blended families and the often unclear boundaries that come with ex-partner relationships. They mentioned that while it’s great to support kids’ happiness, there should be a balance that takes into account the incoming challenges of the school year. Emotional support might be necessary, but prioritizing holidays with an ex during such a crucial time raises red flags.
As the discussion unfolded, it became clear that many people have different boundaries when it comes to ex-partners. Some found it okay to maintain a connection through shared family events, while others insisted that such arrangements could lead to awkwardness or even feelings of betrayal. The mom’s situation acts as a real-life case study on these boundaries, involving feelings of loyalty, responsibility, and the needs of children.
Even with varied opinions, one thing remained: the mom is left wrestling with her partner’s decision and what it means for their family dynamic. What do you think? Is it acceptable for a partner to go on vacation with their ex when kids are involved, or should the needs of the children come first? The timing of this trip definitely plants a seed of discomfort that lingers in the air.
More from Decluttering Mom:













