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Lone parents

Use our Single Parent forum to speak to other parents raising a child alone.

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Original poster

Need a holiday, but how can i with 2 young dc's???

20 replies

Toothache · 02/03/2008 18:33

I really need to take my bairns on holiday. My ds (6.5yrs) keeps asking why we never go on holiday. But its SOOOO awkward.

Dd is 3. I couldn't even take them to the pool as neither can swim..... however, ds is terrified and won't come away from edge, whilst dd is launching herself head first into the deepend at every given opportunity (she's like her Mum!!).

How do you all manage it??????

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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sweetkitty · 02/03/2008 18:35

hi toothy sorry no advice on holidays we have never been away with our two just seen your name there, often wonder how you are doing?

Original poster

Toothache · 02/03/2008 18:39

Hi SK - I'm fine... apart from needing a feckin holiday!!

How are you all?

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Alexa808 · 02/03/2008 18:48

How about a family friendly resort with morning school kiddie activities for them and guided afternoon play sessions, too.

It's not about dumping them somewhere but they would probably enjoy action more than reading a lazy book on a sun lounger ;-)

Maybe you could find a friend who you could go with, so one the marauders are in bed you can chill at the bar...

Alexa808 · 02/03/2008 18:49

Entice them with meeting new friends, playing pirates or building something....

Worked for me when I was small...

Yorkiegirl · 02/03/2008 18:49

Message withdrawn

ahundredtimes · 02/03/2008 18:50

I don't understand the question. Are you asking how can I go on holiday when one of my children loves swimming but the other doesn't?

sweetkitty · 02/03/2008 18:55

We are all good just down the road from you now, just found out we are having a third DD. Doesn't seem like 5 minutes ago we were talking about scans for our babies.

What about something like Centerparcs or were you thinking of sun? Maybe find a pool where they aren't out their depth.

theheadgirl · 02/03/2008 19:32

I've been on my own with three DD since they were 8, 6 and 3. I've taken them away alone quite a number of times, but never abroad. We tend to go for self catering cottages in this country. Its true that the day to day stuff (meals, cleaning, etc) still needs to be done, but we always enjoy ourselves. I think its the change of scenery to be honest, and I think its worth spending a bit more on somewhere a bit luxurious to stay, so it seems special.
I'm working myself up to taking them on a plane, especially now they're older, but as DD3 has SN I still feel trepidation.
Definitely wait til they can both swim til you go near a pool though!

Original poster

Toothache · 02/03/2008 19:46

Hiya,

ahundredtimes - My question was more about wanting suggestions and tips I s'pose. The swimming thing was just an example of why I couldn't go to some places.

Center Parcs is the favourite at the moment, but then the big attraction is the swimming pool isn't it?

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Original poster

Toothache · 02/03/2008 19:47

SK - No3????????? You're keen! CONGRATS!!!

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Blu · 02/03/2008 19:52

You need those swimsuits with built in bouyancy so that there is no danger of them sinking!

Nemoandthefishes · 02/03/2008 19:59

toothache centre parcs pool might be good in that the toddler pools are not more than waist high so neither could get up to much trouble.

gillybean2 · 02/03/2008 21:12

If near swimming pool you need armbands and a swim vest. Of course making sure they have them on before you leave to go near the pool. Lots of self catering cottages don't have pools, or the pool is enclosed. How about a self catering farm cottage. Have a look at the hoseasons website. Pretty reasonable prices and all range of cottages and holiday parks from caravans to chalets.

tassisssss · 02/03/2008 21:17

Toothache, have you thought about Crieff Hydro? The kids club is great and the "baby pool" is decent sized and your 6 year old would reach the bottom or could just sit on the steps.

allgonebellyup · 02/03/2008 21:22

i am taking my kids to portugal on my own this year for 2 weeks.. can you do something like that?

sarah573 · 02/03/2008 22:09

Do you have anyone to go with? I've dragged my 3 (9,7 + 5) and backpacks around half of north africa with my sister and her 2 (6 + 3). Great fun . I don't think I would have enjoyed it half as much without another adult though. I would probably do something 'resorty' with kids club etc if I was talking them away by myself. Center parks is great too!

Scramble · 02/03/2008 23:18

What about something like Haven, lots of other activities and entertainment for kids, kids welcome in the family places in the evening so they can go out too and you dan't ahve to sit in a room with them.

Both kids would be fine in armbands, have a word with DS and warn him within an inch of his life, and keep the session short to keep your sanity.

I went to a self catering caravan last Oct, quiet site not a haven, I drank wine and watched tv once kids were in bed. Spent days visiting aquariums, steam trains etc with only one session swimming at a neighbouring site.

skeletonbones · 03/03/2008 12:48

coyld you try a weekend break somewhere with them first, then if its really difficult you arnt there long? what about something like a butlins with lots of activities and playgrounds and stuff so its not all focused on swimming?

gillybean2 · 03/03/2008 13:18

My parents have a pool and my sister's youngest has no fear and was always desperate to be jumping in the pool. And every time he was told wait, armbands and swimvest first and he was jumping up and down impatiently... Then one day he rushed out after lunch, put his swimsuit on and jumped in (aged just over 2 i might add) without armbands or vest.

He sunk and was immediately fished out as we never allow the children near the pool without an adult around. Since that day he is the one saying armbands and swimvest.

Scarey as it is sometimes you have to let your child find out the hard way and then they understand why you are saying armbands and vest or that they need to be careful.

I'm not suggesting you allow your child to jump in the pool without armbands so they sink and learn their lesson. But if there is a problem with them putting their armbands on then perhaps in a controlled way while you are in the pool let them see that the armbands are there for a reason and that it's not safe to go in the water without them until they can reach the bottom.

Have you considered trying a couple of sessions at your local swimming pool with them both to see how it goes before you take the plunge (sorry dreadful pun) and go for a holiday where there is a pool? If you find that really is too stressful then consider a holiday without a pool, country cottage, farm holiday, caravan or campsites, familyroom in a youth hostile. As long as there's lots to keep them busy they won't even miss a pool. Or find a place with an indoor pool that you can the easily avoid.

Hope you book something soon
take care
Gilly

Original poster

Toothache · 09/03/2008 15:13

Hi Folks,
thanks for the suggestions!
I've settled for Haggerston Castle with my friend and her ds who is the same age as my dd.

Used to go there as a child so it'll be a real trip down memory lane.

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