To feel daunted going on holiday alone as a single parent

[Agn]

Previously have had holidays with my two children, who are on the autistic spectrum, and taken relative to help. Now relative is unable to come, I am having negative feelings at the prospect of managing everything myself 24/7 and having no adult company either. It would be the drive, the moving in, constantly being in charge, watching them in the water and just everything. I thought perhaps I could build a schedule around activities but the cost is just a bit ouch. The children are really looking forward to it and have been for a long time.

Some brilliant ideas on this thread, and just wanted to add my support to you @Agn - it might not be a restful break but you absolutely can do this and have some sanity left at the end.

Plan what you can beforehand and be prepared to abandon/switch plans as needed. Do what the DC want to do (within reason) and take every short cut you can - eat out, supermarket ready meals/takeaway boxes, cleaning wipes, lower every standard and expectation you have in daily life to take some of the pressure off you.

Good luck!

I’ve done it with two ASD children - it was terrifying. We went a massive hour from home. But it was fab. Board games and colouring.

Go. I've never been to Centre Parcs but I get the impression it's a safe environment with an outdoorsy setting? Activities on site?
I've just been on holiday with my sister who has a severely autistic teenager who is nonverbal and also has some physical disabilities. It is hard, partly as she won't let her mother out of her sight without becoming very distressed. But she still takes her away most years, sometimes just for two or three days, sometimes with paid help.
This time she was able to swim in the sea as I stayed with her DD and she could still see her mother, go to a couple shops too. My kids were great at entertaining their cousin too, but it was a real insight to how hard some things are for my sister.
It's hard but your kids will have a great time and while you may think it's no holiday for you a change of scene may do you good.

Hey! I’ve only got one child but they are suspected adhd (risk taking ahoy!) and possibly autism too (massive sensory issues and finds novelty overwhelming).

i have been on a few holidays and they’ve been a real mix - like you I’ve normally had help and it makes a difference

I can totally understand why you are nervous

things which I lean on:

meal plan in advance and all the easy stuff / or some pre cooked meals - take all the food with me

lots of tv - I don’t know if this is good for yours but for my daughter it really regulates her and gives some familiarity. We’d normally have an hour or two at lunch and then do a short activity or walk/swim or just play in the garden before tea

very under scheduling - as a couple of pps suggested…

Not too much novelty - I hadn’t clocked this in early trips but my daughter does better with repeating activities either every day or alternating a few - and to be honest so do I!! She hates structured things too and ended up just curling on my lap so I don’t bother with the kids offerings like crafts usually unless it’s very casual

are your kids prone to fleeing? Writing your mobile number on their arm or having a wrist band is something I’ve thought about

i try to enjoy myself by just taking in the change of scene, chatting to any parents and maybe having a drink outside in the evening after bed if the weather is okay

Good luck!!! I think I’ve found it easier as time has gone on xx

Ps in case they don’t like what’s on tv - download some programs before……