Lonely on holiday

[ShyMam]

Hi,

I’m currently on holiday with my 9yr old. It’s just the two of us. He’s off playing with some new friends he’s made which I’m over the moon about, but I’m sat alone feeling quite lonely! Of course I always encourage him to get involved in the kids club activities, meet new friends to play with etc which he does because he’s very outgoing.

I, on the other hand, am really shy so I’m sat alone and feeling a bit sad which I know is ridiculous. I’ve had a lot going on recently with physical health and stress relating to that so I think I just have too much time on my hands right now to think about these things.

We’ve done loads of activities together which has been lovely but obviously it’s important he plays with other kids as well.

Any advice or just nice comments so I don’t feel so silly!

x

Get glammed up and go to the bar while he’s at the kids club? Or join some tours?

I would

• curl up with a book
• Go for a walk/swim/run
• Have a long bath
• Go for a coffee, somewhere busy where I might be able to make conversation.

going on holiday with my ten year old was lovely but also lonely and I am someone who likes my own company. I read all the trashy holiday novels and drank plenty of beer.

I just embraced it for the week. Would I do it again? Maybe not, but I made the most of being able to relax while I could.

I get how you are feeling though.

He met another boy a similar age and played with him all day the other day and I sat with his parents on the night and we all had a great time but unfortunately they’ve now gone home. It’s very quiet now. This week is half term for his school but maybe this isn’t the same for all schools?

If you were sat alone, what would you think if someone started chatting to you? Wouldn’t approach a couple or anyone reading etc but maybe another woman just sat alone near the playground? I’m not sure, maybe I’m overthinking it!

My tactic for being a bit shy was always to look for someone else on their own, maybe someone who looks a bit ‘uncomfortable’ - that way I could convince myself I was helping them too!

There is nothing wrong with going up to a table, with a coffee and saying ‘would you mind if I sit here?’ - they can only say no!

Are you abroad, if you are, enjoy, I'm laying here, log burner on, nearly dark outside and the weather is shocking.

I recognise this OP -we were recently on holiday & i found it tricky without another adult there.
I read 3 books as my teenagers did not get up for breakfast (I read at dining table)
City break better with my two at least we are occupied all day then out at night for meal. I don't think I'll do the pool beach holiday for anymore than 5 days in future

That’s a really good idea actually, I’m sure there must be someone else here who wouldn’t mind a chat! I’ll keep my eyes peeled.

yes we’re abroad, that’s why I feel a bit silly for not being over the moon happy! My hometown is flooded, people are having such difficult times with everything at the minute and I’m sat on holiday complaining about being lonely. Feels a bit silly!

Any plans for your evening?

Maybe you should share where you are…there maybe another lonely mumsnetter out there…

When DD was that age I used to go on loads of single parent holidays. It was brilliant. The kids would form a tribe and run around together and the parents had someone to drink wine with natter to. Single with Kids were the best company I used (don't know if they are still going). They organised everything from cheap as chips camping holidays, to UK youth hostels, to sun and sand overseas, Lapland at Christmas and skiing. Would definitely recommend it.

@ShyMam well done you 👏 for taking your Son alone. I've been flying solo with DS for the last 6 years or so now. People are alone with their DC for various reasons so don't read too much into that. Ultimately everyone is on hol for the break away and to have a relaxing time.

Embrace not having to cook, read a book, chat to other parents. I've been invited to dinner by families before or to join them at the beach. Travelling alone has taught me there are some really kind people in the world still!