Tricky- manageable half term ideas?

[Kittkats]

I really want to not waste half term. I’ve got the week off. 2 dc at home (12 and 14) who would love to do something together.
The challenge:

1. limited funds. I could manage £500 on credit card for a short break (eg camping) but that may not be possible because
2. DH had a stroke a few weeks ago and has various health issues. He’s scared to go camping because he’s feeling the cold (fear is a bigger problem than cold), can’t walk more than 100m (with breaks) and has cognitive issues so couldn’t manage alone more than 7 hours (assuming I prepare meds/meals/ drinks)
3. we have 2 dogs (though older dc could mind)
4. Dh currently has a virus. Dc 14 and I have had it and we’re laid low for a week, DC 12 may yet get ill

What can I/we plan/ do??? I’m sick of wasting leave in the house because of DH health (it’s been one thing after another since 2024 🤯) but don’t want me/ the kids to miss out. We had promised a camping trip pre stroke…

You need a life from your DH. He needs to be open to letting other people help not just you. I know how hard it is to have caring duties and it only fall on one person.

He isn’t the only one in the family & he needs to remember that - I speak as a disabled parent, we have to learn to get our joy through other people’s pleasure rather than expressly our own.
What does he think that you can do, given the parameters you have to work in?
I’d also add that there is a risk that he fosters resentment in the DC because of his selfishness.

What about a caravan park type break? You can leave him in the accommodation and you go off with the kids to the beach, exploring, swimming , activities etc. He joins in if he can or wants to.

Your problem isn’t that there aren’t any options, it’s that your DH is vetoing everything possible, resents when you do anything at all without him, and is refusing to use things that might help him like the electric wheelchair.

You must be so exhausted, I’m sorry, this is just really hard.

In that case, just leave him behind. He can’t have it both ways or expect you all give up holidays/breaks because he’s poorly.

DH has some ongoing health issues which mean he can’t walk far without being in pain. He’s the first one to suggest little breaks despite knowing he can’t engage/do most of the things because he wants me and DD to be happy.He’s often been miserable, I can see it on his face when I catch him unaware , but to him it’s worth it. At the same time, I make sure there are things he can join in/be a part of, ensure we spend time as a family too and that he is part of things in whatever way he can. Because it’s about compromise, give and take and putting other people first every now and then

Pack the car up, put the kids in and go on a bloody break. Honestly, you deserve better than this.

My dad is now physically disabled and I often feel if he comes to visit or we all go away somewhere and leave him behind but he actually really enjoys the change of scenery, even if he’s still inside listening to the radio and reading the paper! And we do make an effort to plan things he can join in with too.

Would you consider a youth hostel? The YHA now has family ensuite rooms, caters to all ages, has self catering and the bigger ones have a cafe, bar and pool tables plus normally enough grass to kick a football. And they're always warm! And very very cheap.

Or if you're anywhere near North Norfolk I highly recommend Searles in Hunstanton. It has accessible caravans and some will accept dogs, plus nice pools and is by the beach.

I wouldn’t be planning a trip away with the issues you’ve mentioned and certainly not camping. Could you do a few trips out? Are you near a river / short boat trip / water sports?

Sorry hadn’t read your updates - agree you need a break!