I started taking my kids (4) around the same age. It was the only way I could afford to take them on a vacation in the summer months as I have always been a single parent. I just stipulated days in the areas that I didn't have a support system and because the oldest one was at the age where she could legally watch the others it worked out great. I now have the oldest three in college at Austin Peay University, DC University, and Syracuse University........ one left to go. I really think that taking them with me has made the best difference.