Caravan with a kid and a dog

[Cath2907]

Husband left last October, got divorced at Easter. Am now a single parent with an 8yr old DD and a dog.

This weekend I am going to pull up my big girl panties and take out our touring caravan on my own with the kid and the dog for the first time. I am a bit nervous. The dog is only 18 months old and can get a bit excited and whilst I have used the caravan on my own without anyone I have never tried to hook up, tow and do the lot whilst being "mum". DD will need to check my lights for me before we set off and generally help a bit more than she is used to.

Can't decide if I am looking forward to it or dreading it. It is the last hump I need to get over though. I have no picked up and managed all the other things ex-DH used to do. I will not be defeated by a caravan.

Any other lone parent caravaners out there to tell me it will be fine?

Have no idea on the caravan part but holidays alone and getting on with single parenting I do.
You are going to have moments you think fuck it why did I bother but they will past and just enjoy them and remember you are a strong mother!
Also I've seen many times family with both parents arguing on holiday because they can be stressful.
Don't think about the help your ex could/ would of given but how you, the dc and dog are having your own holiday.
Lots of distractions, toys & treats for dc and dog.
Have a great time!

I have done Haven holidays . Caravans are fab for holidays . Worked really well for son and I. Once you have done it . It gets easier

You'll be fine. I used to take dd and the dog away in our tourer when she was younger. Keep the dog in the car while hitching up and while setting up. And possibly dd as well. That's what I used to do, then I'm not distracted by anyone as I'm doing all my checks before setting off.

At 8yo she's old enough to be left in charge of the dog while you nip for a quick shower if she's happy to be left. Or use the shower in the van.

That's my main problem now dd refuses to come away with me is I can't leave the dog in the caravan on her own while I shower and can't take her in the shower block with me!