Some single mothers are usually reluctant to go on vacation with their children, especially in the first few months after divorce. Here are our ideas for taking that trip with peace of mind. You deserve a few days away from it all.
Some single mothers are usually reluctant to go on vacation with their children, especially in the first few months after divorce. Here are our ideas for taking that trip with peace of mind. You deserve a few days away from it all.
Why you need the vacation
Especially with everything happening now, it is normal to dread the holidays as a single parent. (Covid-19) There is also the fear of being alone with the children while juggling between work, family, and travel.
Take advantage of the moments with your children to create new memories together, without the ex-spouse. The vacation can be an important milestone, a strong message that concretizes your unique situation in their eyes. Further, it is a chance to take their thoughts off the past hectic months and the ordeal of separation.
Tips for holidaying with kids
It would help plan for how you will have the vacation with your children, from destination to budget and the nuances in between. It is challenging, but it is not impossible to enjoy a family vacation as a solo mom. Here are the ideas that might help.
Go somewhere safe and nearby.
You don’t have to go very far to have a good time! Going a few kilometers from home for a few nights or playing day tourists in your country is also possible. So, think about nearby destinations: the Belgian Ardennes, the Opal Coast. Since the epidemic, local tourism has been more in tune with the times.
Take care of your mental health.
Single mothers are prone to depression and anxiety after separation, and some do not know how to efficiently deal with it. Maybe you have asked yourself severally, “does depression qualify for medical marijuana?”
Some mothers say that marijuana helps them relate with their children on their level, but you will need a clear strategy for using marijuana around children before you try that. In the meantime, with techniques such as getting enough sleep and talking to people, you should be safe from the worst of it all.
Invite your sister, friend, or cousin
Why not take advantage of this vacation to go with your nearest bubble? Your parents, friends or sister might be happy to go with you and your children. They will also be of great help and people who know your background and your children well. They could therefore allow you to decompress.
Make it a short stay.
Afraid of ending up exhausted after a week’s vacation with the kids? Consider organizing a mini stay of two or three nights, for example.
This will allow you to disconnect a little, to get away from it all without fear that the holidays will be too long. If this is your first travel experience as a single parent, this short break will allow you to test and see how it goes for a possible next trip.
Have your kids played a role?
Are you a mother of children over 6? Do not hesitate to ask them to participate in packing suitcases. Please make a list of what they need to prepare and ask them to put it on their bed, for example. You’ll realize that this saves your precious time and energy, which will significantly help you and involve your children in the organization of these holidays together.
Ask for help
It is never easy to ask for help from others, but that is an essential part of your life as a single parent. Turn to your friend or family and make specific requests, e.g., taking care of the kids while you have time for yourself. You will especially need lots of personal time on your trip.
A few people in your life may already be looking for ways to help you—you need to give them ideas and directions.
Are you a recently separated single mother? We’d like to hear your story.
