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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Tell me this is going to be ok?

1 reply

FocusOnThis · 26/01/2026 21:28

Just needing some reassurance please because I’m panicking tonight! Basically, I booked a holiday a couple of years ago. It’s a once in a lifetime, big birthday celebration type of holiday, honestly it’s cost me a fortune. But I’ve worked hard, saved and have managed to afford it. I’ll be travelling as a solo adult with my two young kids. And this is the problem. In the last couple of years, my eldest has gone from possible autism to complex additional needs. Youngest is now on the assessment pathway too. And just to add to the stress? The holiday is a road trip style trip in America this summer. So now I’m worried about all of it. I’m worried about the long haul flight alone with two kids, I’m worried about us being in America at the moment, I’m worried about the potential of being stopped, of potentially being detained entering the country. My eldest has seen the news and the protests and is already worrying too.

But it’s a fully paid off, once in a lifetime trip. I can’t cancel without losing everything, I can’t change the dates. I’ve travelled long haul with them before, but always with a friend/family. I’m worried if they have a meltdown on the plane too. Basically I’m spiralling. Someone tell me it’s going to be ok?

OP posts:
ObladiObladah · 26/01/2026 21:37

It will be okay.

The part I would worry about least is being detained or encountering political trouble, even if you are not white. The worst that happens is you’re stuck in the immigration queue and refused entry and sent home and I think the risk is minimal as you will have your ESTA, right?

You just need a solid plan and good travel insurance.

The risk of your kids melting down on the journey is more concerning. How old are they? What is likely to set them off and what is likely to soothe them?

Your kids have always had additional needs, the diagnosis just helps you to figure out how to tackle them. So now you’re aware and not blindly trying to manage their behaviours, you have the power of that knowledge.

Are your kids excited about the trip? Are they old enough to understand that they might have a meltdown on the plane and take steps to help regulate their own behaviour or is it beyond their comprehension?

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