Taking 3 kids abroad ALONE

[CleverQuacks]

I have three children aged 11, 8 and 4. My 4 year old has special needs and is significantly developmentally delayed. He is also a runner.

About a year ago my Nan passed away and she left me a small amount of money. The kids have never been abroad and so I booked a week long, all inclusive holiday.

I have never taken them on holiday alone never mind abroad and now I am panicking.

How will I manage all three of them plus luggage in the airport? How will I keep them occupied for three hours on the flight? What if something goes wrong whilst I am out there?

Also the airline has changed our flights and the flight now leaves at 6am so we are going to have to get to the airport so early and the kids will be tired and grumpy.

Please share you tips for travelling with small children. This is doable right??

I've also flown with 3. My eldest (10) has been wheeling a suitcase / pushing a buggy through the airport for as long as he can remember. The middle child (5) also now wheels a suitcase. It's fine - worth it for them to get a holiday they couldn't otherwise have.

If you have never taken the children abroad before, I just wanted to check whether you are aware that as a single parent you may get asked to prove that the children you are travelling with are yours and that you have the permission of their other parent to take them out of the country.

It doesn't always happen, but I have been questioned a few times, particularly on Eurostar or returning to Heathrow. I have a different surname from my children, which seems to be seen as a red flag. I always carried their birth certificates to prove they were mine, and DH's death certificate to show that I didn't need anyone else's permission to travel with them (they are now old enough for it to be unnecessary).

If your DC's father is on the birth certificate and still alive, you will need a letter from him giving permission to travel, unless the situation is covered by a court order: www.gov.uk/permission-take-child-abroad

Cabin bags should be rucksacks - and unless you think he will object, dont have one for the youngest.
2 cases if you can. The bigger 2 can push / pull them.
Screens are unlimited on planes for my two (except some flights where I insist on sleep - we have a 1am flight coming up....).

See if either the airport or the airline has a disability preference system. If you can jump the security queue, it will help.

Also, the 4 year old will HAVE to go through the security scanner on his own. I send my oldest through, then my youngest, then me. Can the 11 year old "catch" his sibling? There may also be electronic gates to enter departures - again, a one by one process.

Hope you have a smooth journey, and a wonderful holiday.

Make sure to take something to suck on take off and landing to avoid popping ears especially for the 4 year old.

From the title honestly I thought oh God, I couldn’t do that. But given the ages of the older two, I think it’s perfectly doable.

Could you hire a nanny from an agency just for the travelling? (2 days pay)

What @Eleanor said..frequently flew with my DC..from younger age,long haul/Asia as lone parent..
Airport hotel for early flight
Eldest2help you &carry oen inflight packpacks/keep eye on youngest.
Any device is awesome in these occasions-waiting at departure gate/in-flight.
Pack plenty of snacks you know they love-they can choose this stuff,dont involve them in packing unless its their'thing'..you'll end up with far more than you need..really just shorts&ts,rashies/hats sandals/trainers/flip-flops&wear heaviests bulkiest on plane.If your DC are fussy as mine were take a few fave food/comfort items&make good use of local cabs to save tired legs/short tempers if its hot&you're sightseeing.Have a lovely time.

Make getting through security smoother by packing your liquids separately, so that you can put them straight into the airport's small clear bags. 1 per passenger. Nothing bigger than 100ml allowed. So you aren't searching bags for water/toothpaste etc while trying to get them through. If you bring empty water bottles there are usually drinking taps straight after security to refill.
Can they all swim? If not, rings, armbands etc from the UK.
Enjoy it!

Put all liquids in a ziplock bag at home instead of re-packing them at airport.

Make sure you put your youngest in a highly visible outfit - orange or yellow work well! Then if they bolt it's easier for you to spot them, and also easier for others to find them. I write my name and phone number on the arms of my bolting 3 year old using a Sharpie. No removal or erasure possible!

Would the youngest ride on a trunki? You can keep hold and the novelty might stop the bolting?

Pack light. The older two can carry their own cases.

Also if there’s a pool order some inflatables on amazon and take with you. And consider flotation vests for non-swimmers so you can relax a little. Sticker books good for the hotel room and any down time. Also anything that might distract in a restaurant! Have a wonderful holiday

Totally doable. Put reins on the 4 year old at the airport if you think he'll bolt.

I've been abroad dozens of times, alone, with my 3 DCs, starting when the smallest was 6 or so. Never had any problems, never been asked about fathers' permission etc.

Thank you all. You have reminded me to get arm bands! I am good at packing light and think I will get everything into one big suitcase and one small one which my eldest can roll.

A bit worried about getting the youngest through security. His understanding of instructions is poor. I will have to send big ones through first and then they can “catch” him as he comes through. I haven’t flown in a long time, we are flying from Birmingham. How far does he have to go on his own? Will I be able to see him all the way? Can he get lost between leaving me and meeting my eldest?

I have ordered some wrist bands to put my name and number on.

Birmingham is fine.
Yes, he will never be out of your sight - but may be out of arms reach. It is no more than a couple of meters. The security guys are good. If the alarm beeps (it is set to randomly select people, as well as alerting to metal), they will wait for you to pass through, and talk to you.
The queues can be long tho. Look into getting a disabled pass through the airline.