Why don't people take their kids on holiday?

what's wrong with class parties now 😂

I don't think many parents actually LOVE them, but they go with the territory when you have kids. You throw a couple or more during Primary school, invite back every child that ever invited your child, done.

This seems unusual. I’ve never come across it in any middle class or working class uk families. Obviously different locations and types of holiday depending on the budget and preferences but not no breaks at all

I’m lucky enough to have enjoyed many holidays with my kids (now young adults). DH and I had maybe one weekend a year away without them, but every holiday was with kids. And I’ve loved 99% of them. We are going skiing at NY (driving with the boys and a mate) and I’m so pleased they still want to come with us. Suspect they might do their own thing where night life is concerned though!

I think it’s just one of those different strokes for different folks things. I always to struggle to relate to people who aren’t ambitious and just stay in dead end jobs for years on end, my brain is just wired differently, but I find myself feeling jealous of family members who don’t feel the the need to run up a ladder and are seemingly content with a simpler life. Just what it is I suppose, different things motivate people.

I think it's important to show your children that "abroad" is nothing special. It can be, but "abroad" covering every country in the world, many of them are really not a big cultural shock.

Going a bit further to show them what IS different is interesting too.

It's a bit narrow-minded to tell them the world is your own country and not more.

What did they do pre DC? Did they go on holidays/weekend breaks as singles or couples? Did you holiday with them?

It is unusual to have a high percentage of yoru social group who don't holiday or travel at all.

Some people are daunted by the unfamiliar, some people have grown up not holidaying, some prioritise their spending on reducing mortgages or upping their pensions, some people love being at home.

It was your comment about them saying they wouldn’t have parties for their child EVER

My guess is they were talking about bloody awful whole class parties

They sound... odd? If they're you're closest friends, you must know why they don't take their kids away.

I know someone who will stay with their sibling now and again as they live a distance away but never goes on holiday with their partner and children, not even UK holiday.

Reasons they’ve given are no desire to go away, get overwhelmed organising what they need, don’t know where to go and find the idea of booking somewhere stressful.

I understand all of the above but think it’s a shame they don’t try it, even if just for their children.

She'll be 6 next birthday.

We've been on a few UK holidays (which was all we could do to begin with anyway as she was a Covid baby), once to Portugal, next month to Lapland, and she's had 2 birthday parties and will be having one for her 6th.

Some of our friends go abroad 2-3 times a year and have UK breaks in between, so I notice those, but I don't notice who doesn't go.

"My son has non verbal severe ASD. Having autism doesn't stop anyone travelling. It may be more stressful at times but its worth it to give your kids that experience."

My son would get nothing out of that experience. I do things that he enjoys.
Also I don't think anyone would enjoy sharing a plane with him.

How old is your daughter?

I've never really thought about it. I guess I know some of my friends go on holiday and some I've not noticed going on holiday but I don't keep a track of how often or where they go, maybe I'll like a post on facebook if it pops up.

Different people have different priorities.

I mentioned party planning to a group of women and 4 of them said that they'd never throw a birthday party for their kids, it was too much effort, too expensive, they don't like other people's kids.

I thought that was a bit sad- we can't afford a party every year but when we do my daughter is so excited to have one. I would feel so sad if she got to 18 having never had everyone sing happy birthday and watch her blow out the candles and had all the fun of being the birthday girl.

But that's for their families to decide.

I know of people who pmdont go abroad for different reasons but don't know any families that don't even do a UK holiday. Even if its just going to Haven for the weekend or something.

I do think it’s very unusual that your entire friendship group is like this, though.

Agreed. Most of the people I know are away every few weeks. I'm the one who isn't, I've been overseas twice this year but only for short breaks.

I think what you said here was very unkind. There was no need for it.

Because I can't be fucked with the hassle.

Or, apparently I'm a shit parent who can't plan properly. 😆 🤣

@Micnerhss I think sometimes views on holidays with children outside of the UK is linked to family culture and possibly social
class.
I have a friend who plans on taking her 3 year old abroad when she is 10
as it will be more manageable
then. Meanwhile, my 3 year old has been to the Caribbean twice, Greece and Italy alongside UK breaks. Said friend has never left Europe and prefers to stick to Devon and Cornwall as this “safe”. Spain possibly safe when their child is 10, anywhere else “stressful”.

All the broadening your horizon’s hasn’t helped you not be so small minded.

Maybe spend some money working on yourself?

I took my twins on holiday abroad aged 18 months. It was so fucking stressful we vowed no more abroad holidays for a good few years.

one had an ear infection and screamed the whole fucking plane journey and we had to sort out healthcare once there. Both decided that was a good week to start walking independently and fell so much. The villa was impossible to toddler proof. They hated the beach - literally screamed if any part of their body touched sand.

honestly it was shit.

much better when they were older but still hard work.

But the bizarre thing is… if this op does actually travel lots, surely she sees loads of families on holiday.

i have a sneaking suspicion this OP was just bored of day time tv and thought she’d start a daft thread for the sake of it

Not everyone shares your interest or passion. Doesn't seem that complicated to me.

I have never travelled outside the uk with my kids. I would rather spend my money on other thing. We have travelled all over the uk. They don’t feel deprived.

Exactly
and if the op maybe ever read or listened or watched the news she might be aware of that

but too busy not looking outside her very very immediate circle

so when you are on holiday…. You don’t see families with children OP? 😆

Exactly. Mine quite likes holidays with certain accommodations. But that's just luck. If he hated it like your son does then 100% we wouldn't do it. It wouldn't be a holiday for anyone.

I hope things get easier for you one day.