Should I entertain separate holidays with different aged kids?

[mrsnoodle55]

I need to sort next yrs hols ;

So I’ve a 15yr old, 7 and 4 yr old. Trying to find a holiday suitable for all 3 is really hard.

All 5 of us holidayed together as usual (UK) this year and it wasn’t a great success. The logistics of trying to transport 5 people including a strapping 15 yr old lad in one car are also proving less practical than in previous years. Abroad not an option. The 15yr old was bored, I was torn trying to accommodate everyone. The teenager spent too long holed up on social media speaking to his mates til all hours. The things I had arranged for him he loved, but couldn’t keep repeating as had to consider the other 2.

He is my son from my prev marriage (divorced 14 yrs) and the 7 and 4 yr old are from my current relationship. He does go on hols with his dad also, if that’s relevant.

My DP has suggested that next year I go away just with my son, probably with my sister and her teenage kids, and then me, him and the 7 and 4 yr old go away again later in the hols.

My gut instinct is to say no; I’ve worked so long to make us feel a proper family unit and would hate for him to feel pushed out. But also I do know I/ he would love it. I’m aware this may be the last time he (15yr old) wants to come anywhere with me!

Ideally I’d rather go with my sis and all of us together but my DP isn’t up for this, plus we couldn’t transport us all there.... what to do ?

Can you broach it with your son? It sounds like he might enjoy the time with you too.

Let your son make the decision. He may love the 1:1 time or feel excluded from the rest of the family and feel like an outsider. You're not BU to consider it, but I'd only do it is your DS wants to (and if sisters kids are his age, otherwise just looks like you want a hol with your 'new' family)

It would be best if you asked him! At 15 he may love the chance to get away and spend some time with you without the little ones, and to be able to hang out with his teenage cousins too. If you tell him the exact reasons that you've told us then I doubt he would see that as him being pushed out.

My best friend at school had a much younger brother and so I was invited to go on holiday with them. Maybe your son just needs a mate with him to wander with? Although you do say that transport is an issue, even without another teenager.

Let him bring a friend....