Child-friendly holidays - yeh or neh?

[Monkeytrousers]

This isn?t a thread about the McGann?s but is about some of the more general issues about child-friendly holidays.

I'm confused to read some people post that they wouldn't go on one of these, when we all know that having some quality couple time is essential for parents with young children.

Another point however is that as well as these places attracting parents so they can get some time to themselves, aren't they also going to attract people with more sinister motives towards children, looking for opportunities?

[SueW]

Some quality time maybe but night after night of being required to dine without your children or, say, before 7pm because children should be fed at 5pm with a children's tea?

And all day on the beach without your children who are being cared for by nannies?

Family holiday?

[CODalmighty]

go campong

[Monkeytrousers]

I've never been on one BTW - never had a holiday for years, never with DP. Would love to have one though; even camping!

Is that was a MW holiday entails, Sue? It sounds just like an extension of nursery for the kids.

[SueW]

Never done Mark Warner but I have looked at their holidays.

They have childcare available for all ages from babies upwards. Once the children are aged 10, they can sign themselves in and out of activities.

Children over 12yo are allowed to dine in tavernas.

Similar evening dining arrangements at Villa Pia:

"Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, usually eaten outside; at 4pm there is our home-made cake, followed by children?s tea at 6pm. A four-course dinner for adults, eaten together Italian style around a long table in the dining room, is served at 8pm."

And Sands

"Children's Tea - An early tea with healthy or fast food choices and snacks. Parents can then eat dinner as a couple, childfree in the couple's dining area.
Family Dining - If you want to take dinner with your family, our 7.00pm sitting allows you all to eat together.
For those who want their children to go to clubs or use the baby listening facilities, dining as a couple is possible from 7.30pm."

I'm sure that some people who do these holidays don't just abandon their children all day every day and every evening but there seems to be the option to. It reminds me of the Jeremy Clarkson column about the screaming lung.

[moondog]

A holiday entirely surrounded by folk who are grimly set on 'holidaying' has never appealed to me.

[pinballwizard]

I quite like eating en famille, dining as a couple i find a bit dull tbh

[franca70]

rent a house, near a nice beach/mountains whatever you fancy with another family of very good friends with children. The children will play together and be less demanding. Take in turns to cook. Feed the children at 7 or whatever time you think appropriate. Children go to bed at 8.30 or whatever time you think it's appropriate. Have dinner with friends, babysit fot each other and have night out, the options are illimited. We always do this and we enjoy it.
I find these family friendly institutions/rules extremely daunting.

[Budababe]

I like to think we do "family friendly" holidays although we have never been to a MW/ClubMed type place. We have one DS so I try to book places where there will be other children for him to meet and play with and therefore give us a break for a while.

Went to Sani Resort in Greece last year and he made friends with another little boy and we got friendly with the parents. Boys played happily during the day with some parental involvement from any of us. Usually ate seperately in the evening but then met up at whatever activity was on that night. DCs played, adults chatted and had a few drinks.

Had a week in a rented cottage in Somerset which was lovely but in a different way. Did something for DS one day and something for us the next. Ate in some nights or out others. Sat on balcony drinking wine while DS was in bed.

Have to say I didn't realise that MW type places were so rigid on the dinner thing - knew it was a option but assumed you could do diff if you wanted. It has put me off. I would like the choice of eating with DS or without. Although having said that we do usually eat around 7 anyway.

[Surfermum]

I've deliberately not chosen to go places where we have to dine separately to the children. The thing I love about holidays is doing stuff all together. But at home we have loads of babysitters on hand so dh and I can go out on our own whenever we want, I can see that having them on holidays would appeal if I never got the chance to do it year-round.

[pinballwizard]

those sandals type places and posh hotels don't appeal either..lucky that as we couldn't afford it lol

[Monkeytrousers]

isn't centreparks like that?

[CODalmighty]

screamign lung?

[Monkeytrousers]

hyjack - Been to see Derren yet Cod? I'm so jel

[CODalmighty]

wed

[SueW]

Can't find screaming lung column online at the mo - but has featured in mumsnet talk before.

About parents travelling business class to Caribbean with baby who not familiar with dad. Mum puts earplugs in; Baby screams entire trip because forced to be with father who works such long hours has never held baby before etc.

Got to go out now but will try to find later if no-one else unearths.

[SueW]

Talk thread here

[mumblechum]

We always go as far away from anyone else as poss, typically a villa on top of a mountain in Umbria. Our ds is, admittedly, prob a bit lonely with no other kids but stuff it, we can't stand being with crowds of Brits and screaming toddlers.

We spend hours with our ds in the pool etc but I must admit I'm looking forward to him being able to go off on an 18-30s holiday and leave us in peace!