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AIBU?

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AIBU to find a beach holiday with our only child exhausting?

153 replies

Flowydress · 16/08/2026 21:39

We are on a week’s beach holiday with 15 yr old DS. He’s an only child. It’s so intense. He’s really full on and exhausting. I didn’t want a beach holiday as I feel active trips are better for our family dynamic but he and DH wanted to slob about. we also asked DS if he wanted a friend to come but he didn’t - so instead he just tells me several times when here that holidays are when he misses having a sibling. 😬

I love him to bits but he, and it, is hard work and I feel sad and just want to be at home. I know DH feels the same. I feel incredibly sad that DS might feel that way too

OP posts:
Berrysorbet · 17/08/2026 20:18

Phineyj · 17/08/2026 18:58

Your comment has cheered me up!

I hope my 13 year old attains your level of maturity.

OP: why don't you go to the beach in the morning without him, come back at lunch and let him pick an afternoon activity?

It took me 40 years to recognise it, so don't hold your breath!

Berrysorbet · 17/08/2026 20:22

Netcurtainnelly · 17/08/2026 19:00

What about making friends and mixing with others. Chikdren and teens normally make friends in holiday

Mine only managed this when they were under 10. I think conditions have to be right when they're teens.

To be honest, this year they were the only teenagers at the hotel, so definitely no holiday friends.

I did though!

SweatySpider321 · 23/08/2026 16:03

distinctpossibility · 17/08/2026 08:30

If it helps OP I have 4 kids and am on very much a non-beach holiday and had to leave my 15 year old DD at the apartment yesterday as she declared the Van Gogh Museum looked "wank" and that she could see "sunflowers on the internet" 😆

Sometimes teenagers and family holidays are just going to be a bit... underwhelming yet overwhelming. It is not your fault for booking the holiday you were asked to book, and it most certainly isn't because you made a choice (or perhaps not... there seems to be a heaviness and sadness around the lack of a sibling) not to have more kids. I prescribe a hug with DH, a long shower and a good book. 😘

It sounds like we parent the same child. Those sound bites sound quite familiar!

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