Taking my 2 on holiday by myself - encouragement needed!

[whyhasmyheadgonenumb]

Having received some money for my birthday from a generous family member I had a bit of a moment and booked 4 nights at haven for DDs birthday. I'm now wondering what the heck I was thinking!!

They will be 2 & 3, DD is easy going and will be no troubles but DS is a typical, stroppy 2 year old. The haven has lots to do and I'm hoping I can just run them ragged all day so they will crash at night (so I can have a cheeky glass of wine and watch a film) .

Has anyone else taken their DC away alone? I need some words of encouragement. DD wants her dad to come, we get on in a strange kind of a way but I'm not sure we could cope in such close quarters for 4 nights - we split up 16 months ago.

I reckon you'll be fine. haven must have loads for them to do.

are you self catering do they have a big restaurant?

don't take your XP!

Best thing I ever did for my renewed confidence after dh left.
I put it as one of my happiest ever days on a thread on here this week.
Be realistic, I used to love staying out late on holiday but in my own I decided to get back earlier and put them to bed and have a glass of wine and read my book.
I ended up taking them all over the world and we have some great memories.

Haven do plenty all day. In the morning they do a toddler session with toys and arts and crafts, very handy to break up the morning. An after lunch swim and soft play before a bit of dinner and the kiddies disco and they will be flat out.
Lovely.

I took mine to Haven (Filey) when they were that young. We went twice and had brilliant times. There's loads to do, but tbh, the novelty of the caravan lasted for quite a while!

The only downside I'd say is that with all the activities and the swimming my two were exhausted at night so from about 7.30pm I was on my own which got a bit lonely (bit different when you're at home and there's chores, or the phone etc). I did take books but charged through them.

We had great holidays at Haven. Have a fabulous time!

(If you get the chance to go away again, look at hotels. Some do "kids eat free" and just charge single adult for the room. I found that a bit more sociable, even although I might not have talked to anybody! Crieff Hydro was a particular favourite, as was St Ives in Lytham St Annes.)

Don't take your ex.

You'll be fine! Haven is great for little ones and you'll manage a lot better than you think.

It sounds an ideal place as there's stuff to do all around you. It will be exhausting for you but brilliant fun.

Get your energy levels up and enjoy it. Hope they love it.

My best holiday ever was the first one on my own with young dc - yes I was scared but it was fab and very liberating!! If the weather is nice and you're in a mobile home you may find others have children in bed early and sit outside in the evening enjoying some wine while kids sleep inside. That way you get a social life! Alternatively, afternoon nap then you can go to the mini disco and other evening entertainment! Enjoy x

Thank you everyone, I feel really excited about it now and it's not until June!!
I'm going to practise by taking them both swimming by myself, there's a pool about 20 minutes away with a graduated pool that's more suitable for us and I rang them to check I could take them both by myself, they said yes so that's great - a task for next week!

I'm hoping it will be an empowering experience :)

I did Haven with my DS and sister at that age now we go on my own it is easier.

Things I found though was At 2/3 h found that caravan he didn't settle well so take DVD's or other things will help them wind down in caravan. I took DVD player and plugged it in.

I found when I went on my own we ate in the caravan more it worked better rather than waiting around for meals he could play but do eat out it is a nice break for you.

There is plenty to do...

Do it without Ex..If you don't think you will have a great time with him