Holidays on your own with very young DC

[PenelopeChipShop]

This might seem a bit of a weird thing to focus on but school has just gone back and all we did this year was three nights in a local seaside town with my parents in tow too to help - Ds is 5, dd is 17 months. DH left earlier this year.

Obviously there are lots of more important things to worry about but I can't envision how I could manage to take them both away on my own, certainly not abroad, not that I could afford it anymore anyway!

Maybe next summer it might be more feasible, but I can't see how I could keep tabs on them both on a beach for example - 5yo wants to swim, toddler is more cautious etc - even when one needs the loo and the other doesn't want to come etc. Sure most couples with two kids would take one each in these situations.

Am I being too anxious or do I need to wait til they're a bit older / go with family or friends for extra hands? Just wondering what more experienced lone parents do / have done when DC are still very little. We had such a crap summer compared to what I'd hoped.

[bettycat81]

I left my ex nearly 6 years ago and we (me and d's 8) still tag along with my parents on holiday!

This year was much easier as he is now able to go off in the pool while I read my kindle on a sun lounger or go off to the playground (we camp) and I could see me going solo, however feel I might feel quite lonely so friends or family is still preferable!

[Whoknows11]

I understand your anxieties about this.

My children are 6 and 2 and I frequently have this. I always worry someone will snatch my eldest when I'm busy chasing after my 2 year old. Prob a crazy thought but he's now very clued up about his personal safety!

We went to a caravan park this summer. The beach was fun but at times stressful! The pool was a lot easier as quieter and a smaller area to keen an eye on both.

I kinda feel that nothing should stop us or hinder me as a single parent family.

We went abroad last year but had family meet me off a 4 hour flight so was able to relax a bit on arrival.

We've booked to go back to the caravan park in Devon next year. I'm guessing every year it'll get easier as they grow up 😢

I'd just bite the bullet and do it, you don't want to regret no making the most of the holidays!

[Starlight2345]

I do only have one but when he was small took him to Haven..It just worked best on every level.. He was 7 before I took him abroad. I would also say in terms of been a LP one of the best investments is Swimming lessons obviously a long way off for youngest but by the time mine was 9 could leave him to swim where he wanted. ( pool not sea)

[PenelopeChipShop]

Thank you for your thoughts. You sound brave YouKnows, yours are the age I'll have next year so perhaps it is possible. I guess DD will have much more understanding once she turns 2 so perhaps it won't feel so daunting as it did this year.

I completely agree about swimming lessons Starlight, the oldest goes every Sunday and he's coming on well so at least I may be able to trust him in shallow water by next year.

I've been looking at caravan parks so good to hear that's the consensus! Never been to one but they look so child friendly and that's all I want these days really, somewhere they'll enjoy.

[PenelopeChipShop]

Are they noisy, the caravan type places? As in constant activities going on and music? Or can you sort of relax around the pool while the kids play? I know they often do discos or similar in the evening but is it full on in the day too?

[Whoknows11]

The caravan park we went to in Woolacombe was lovely. It was my 1st time doing this kind of holiday and was a bit sceptical. However it turned out great.

No not loud and noisy at all! We're excited for next year already.

Yes when your smallest is 2 it'll be a little easier. I'm sure you'll surprise yourself and manage just fine!x