First holiday as a lone parent - advice please I am regretting the booking already!!!

[thesilverlining]

So I finally plucked up the courage yesterday to book a short break for me and the DCs - am now dreading it and worried that I will feel like a total loser being the only single mum on the site!

Anyone got any great advice on how to stay calm, happy and "non-lonerish" on my first holiday in 7 years - and my first ever as a singleton......

[BABYNO2CHARLIE]

Dont worry about it your going for the kids to have fun just join in on what your kids are doing and everyone will look at you in admiration i would! and you shouldnt care what anyone thinks and i,m sure there will be single dads there so that could be a bonus

[MuthaHubbard]

I've just come back from my first single parent holiday - a week in majorca. TBH was a bit apprehensive when I first booked but by the time it came around I was that busy making sure I'd done everything and worrying we'd all get there without something happening...it all went well.

There was a fab kids club, pool and beach not far and I didn't feel daft being on my own. Was nice to relax on my own and read whilst the kids swam/played etc. It was also lovely to spend such a fun time with my two children and felt a little bit proud that I'd managed to do it and that we were all having such a good time. I honestly didn't feel different or left out at all. The hotel was very family orientated so lots of couples/large family groups but I didn't feel out of place.

I was also fortunate enough to meet two other lovely single mums after the first night and we sat together to watch the entertainment in the evening a few times.

We had such a good time am considering doing it all again next year if I get the funds...and maybe a weekend away to london for the 3 of us too...

[MuthaHubbard]

PS - there were a few single dads and quite a lot of couples who looked more harassed than I did!!

[ChrissieL]

We've just come back from a week in Majorca - there were 51 of us in total, all single parent families. Oh what joy to see the "traditional" families peering over their shoulders at us in envy, while they sat there making quiet small talk with their partners, we were playing games, having parties and really having a ball.

I'd definitely recommend looking at group holidays Silverlining, there are a number of organisations specialising in single parent breaks. SingleWithKids starts with cheap camping weekends through to overseas breaks.

Failing that, why not post on the Mumsnet forum here if you want company on something you've arranged? An active forum there are lots of single parents reading this who may be thinking exactly the same as you.... All it takes is for one or two to join you and the holiday takes a completely different shape.

That aside, you CAN have fun when you go away alone. It's quality time with your little one, away from chores and stresses of normal life and once you relax, you'll really have a chance to enjoy each other's company. There are bound to be other single parents around (I always check out that wedding ring finger!) and many will be just waiting for someone to talk to them....

Enjoy your break!

Chrissie x