Holidays

[WorkingOnMyMindset]

I posted this on the one child families thread but I don’t think it gets much traffic so posting here too. Hugs welcome!

Hi all,
NC here just because I’ve posted about so many different topics on here.
I became a mum late, at 42. My partner then died (he was late forties) when our DS was 1.
So here I am a 48 yo mum with a 6yo child.
Most of the time it’s fine, now. Difficult but ok. We have lots of friends and activities.
The problem I’m facing going forward is holidays. I’m baulking at the strain of how I’m going to give my little one a childhood fully of happiness, gaiety and merriment when every holiday that comes around I think WTF do I do to fill this one.
There’s a real danger that if we spend too much time together I get bored out my brain or even a little depressed for want of adult companionship.
I’ve got really lovely in-laws but nothing to write home about re family on my side. My mum died young, my Dad is 89 and crippled and my brother quite frankly seems like a sociopath.
Anyone else in the same boat? Any tips or encouragement?

There are organisations which do holidays for lone parents- they look quite nice, if a bit pricey. So that's one idea.

I was fortunate in that I had a single parent friend with a similar aged child so we have shared many happy holidays and refer to ourselves as "holiday family".

Are there school mums with same aged children who would be up for doing a few days together?

One thing I can tell you is that it will get easier from here as your child gets older. I've just had a lovely 10 days away just me and my daughter but it probably would have filled me with dread with a six year old.

What about places that have holiday clubs, so he can do fun activities with kids his own age while you get some down time.

You could do shorter trips and invite a friend of his. Obvs this would need to be built up to.

I've been on an annual holiday withy boy since he was 4 and he's now 12. His Dad sees him but doesn't give him holidays and he's not the best all round frankly.

When he was little, we had a dog too. So I used to book a self catering cottage with enclosed garden near the sea, with easy parking too. Some years I booked so I could see family on route or near enough that friends might call in. ( We holidayed near ish where I'm from but I haven't lived there for years. )

Might that be an option? Pick somewhere lovely nearish friends who could spend the odd day with you?

I've also just been to a lovely place that was recommended on Mumsnet which is brilliant for kids . DM me if you want details 😊

Depends what you like. Haven and all that stuff provide great entertainment but it's my idea of hell.

I've found cottage holidays work for us. Just got back from this year and we had a little routine of out in the morning, back mid afternoon for a rest. I read my book, DS chills with his games then dinner.

I also booked same place a couple of times because it was nice having some familiarity.

I just thought this year actually that I'm quite proud of myself for having lovely holiday memories for my boy and it's always been just me and him. You can do it! It's ok.

I've had my moments where I feel a bit lonely but then it's better than holidays with my ex husband! 😂

God sorry...that was so long 🙈