To go on my own

[FlatStanletta]

Long story short, would it be insane to consider going on holiday (UK seaside, self catering) on my own with 3 small children aged between 9 and 2 - approx 6 hours drive from home.

It’s only supposed to be 5 days. Other family members were going to come but for various reasons now cannot make it. We can cancel without losing any money so that’s not a concern.

I am torn.

On the one hand it’s been a crap year with so much cancelled already it would be a shame to disappoint the kids. And I love the seaside too!

On the other it could be mega stressful not to mention exhausting trying to keep my eyes on 3 kids on the beach, paddling etc. My youngest tends to sprint off laughing hysterically towards the nearest source of danger and the older 2 have been fighting like cat and dog recently - could be because of end of term / heat / self isolation boredom (both have been self isolating).

Plus if it’s raining I’m not sure what the hell we will do…

Hi, I'm torn too! I've only got two, a 14 year old girl and a 8 year old boy and I don't think I can stand the 3 of us cooped together for 6 weeks. I don't drive so I have been looking at short coach trips away. The thing is they are all seaside related or Alton Towers type stuff and the kids just want different things and continually argue about EVERYTHING!

I've just been looking online and trying to drum up some enthusiasm but 14 year old just shrugs and I'm thinking I don't know if I will stress out away on my own with an arsey teenager and a very chatty 8 year old boy.

I think you should do it! I will if you will

As long as your comfortable with the drive I think you’ll be fine. They’re your kids so I’m assuming you deal with them all the time, this time you’ll be doing it in pretty surroundings. You’ll find things to do and the change in scenery will be great for them.

Thanks both.

I don’t mind the drive at all (so long as I don’t get COVID or something on holiday ), I’ve done it before just me and the kids. It’s more having no adult back up at all either on the beach or when I’m shattered and just want to collapse.

Although I don’t get much of that at home either, at least in our own home I know I can let them roam without worrying about what they are getting up to.

I do have a DH but for various reasons he is not able to come.

@Miniestelle ok deal, if I go, you have to too!

Well op you could go and if all hell breaks loose you just pack everybody back up in the car when you feel like it and head back home(if it doesn't seem like a waste of money and you can afford it) at least you can say you've tried You love the seaside. It may just be fun

Miniestelle you too.

If you don't mind the drive I reckon you could try it and always come back early if it all goes a bit deep. Does the place you are staying at have a garden and enough space to chill there if the beach gets a bit too much? Sounds awful but does it have Wi-Fi as worst case back up if it rains?

@Notimeforaname Thank you sod it I'm going to do it!

Yes that’s a good point, I guess we can just abandon ship if it all goes pear shaped! Although I do need a day or two to recover from the drive - while I don’t mind doing it, it is quite a long way!

The place has a walled garden which is pretty safe for the kids and yes it does have WiFi although it’s pretty basic other than that. If the weather is bad there isn’t much to do there to be honest as it’s really all about the beach (which is a 5 min walk from the house). We have been there before so I know the lie of the land.

I love the seaside, and I was also used to herding mine on my own in the holidays when they were young BUT I'm not convinced I'd want to do a 6 hour drive, on my own , with dc of those ages in the car, for just 4 days worth of seaside.

Go. Break will do you all good. Make sure children help out when they can and keep things simple. It's your holiday also.

Do you have reins for the youngest?

How 'good/reliable' are the elder 2?

Do you have a teenage niece/nephew/neighbour/babysitter you could take with you?

Only you know your kids and whether it's doable or not. It's totally doable with some kids and total nightmare with others

Hey, life is for living. Just the change of scenery will do you and the kids the world of good. I've found if the kids are happy and have enough to do the squabbling stops (or nearly) Go and have a great time

Thank you all for your comments and encouragement.

We were supposed to be going to the West Country so with the news of the storm landing there I decided it would be even less fun than I had originally thought so we stayed home but I am taking the kids for a mini 1 night trip to the seaside a bit closer to home instead (also solo) so fingers crossed for that!

I hope you managed to get away @Miniestelle

Invite your mum to come with you?
Or,
Invite a teenage babysitter they like?
Or,
Invite a friend and their kid(s)?

Oops, just saw your update

@FlatStanletta

Yes that’s a good point, I guess we can just abandon ship if it all goes pear shaped! Although I do need a day or two to recover from the drive - while I don’t mind doing it, it is quite a long way!

The place has a walled garden which is pretty safe for the kids and yes it does have WiFi although it’s pretty basic other than that. If the weather is bad there isn’t much to do there to be honest as it’s really all about the beach (which is a 5 min walk from the house). We have been there before so I know the lie of the land.

Do it!

It'll be the same crap at home or on holiday just bear that in mind.

Oh! Sorry!