You do need to say something that will stop them from pushing you for a couple of years... But maybe it has to come from DH for them to listen? I absolutely hate leaving my little ones! The first time I ever left them was for four nights and I cried on the plane lol. That was 6 years ago... I went away 3 months ago and cried again, this time it was for three nights haha. Hubby & I are going away for our ten year wedding anniversary in December & leaving the kids with the grandparents for four nights... Any longer & I wouldn't survive. You're not overprotective, you're just a mum who wants to be a mum all the time - simple! Be firm and say "no!" Lol