Feeling guilty about holiday without children

[Thursdaydoesntevenstart]

I have booked to go on a long weekend trip with friends in Europe this summer.
i have just realised I probably won’t be able to take my children away this year. They will go away with their dad (divorced) but usually do both.
i don’t know what I was thinking booking my trip because I now feel very guilty - and also I love trips with them.
how do I think about this to feel less guilty?!

Cancel the girls weekend?
Take them wild camping?
I would feel sad too, so would try to think of a solution,

If they're going away with their dad then one holiday a year is ample for kids. Go away and enjoy yourself! Perhaps you could do one night away with the kids at a different time instead?

Definitely go camping. They'll love it.

If you take them on holiday every year, and their dad is going to take them, then go!

When was the last time you did something just for you?

When was the last holiday you went in without DC?

Instead of taking them on an expensive holiday, how about you go visit family or friends for a week? Or have a staycation and make it fun? Or camping like a PP suggests?

My DC have only been on holiday abroad twice as we haven't been able to afford it. It's not compulsory for DC to go on expensive holidays!

As a single mum you must need this break. Go and enjoy it, don’t feel guilty.

Borrow some camping gear in the summer and do that with your DCs. Most kids love it.

I can’t cancel, non refundable flights etc paid. Also would be very flakey to just pull out, friend who organised has put a lot of effort in and it will be lovely.

Had a weekend away ten years ago by myself. It’s not a regular thing.

Eldest DC won’t camp anymore but we did love it when they were younger. Visiting family involves flights and isn’t cheap - nice but not very holiday like.

Summer is usually hectic, juggling holidays leave and work. I thought staying home could be lovely but DC were unconvinced - I think because we struggle to find things everyone enjoys these days. Might still give it a try though!

Go on the holiday and enjoy yourself! Your children are loved and looked after and it sounds like they have had lots of wonderful holidays themselves, you’re allowed to do something for you.

Enjoy the holiday.
Book a few days trips with the children.

Can you house sit for a week or a few days? Either someone you know or through an agency. Will give a change of scene

I don't want to pile onto your guilt, but I do think you should have saved the money and taken your kids somewhere. Even just a night or 2 by the coast or something.

Is there no way you can plan something small for them so they get to go away with you?

Do they know about your holiday with friend ?

Don't feel guilty, you will be better able to be a great Mum.if you've had a break and some time to yourself. Take the kids on some fab days out or on a weekend away or go camping, all of which can be inexpensive