Single Parent Holidays - What You Need To Succeed!

Single Parent Holidays, as a phrase, is a bit of an oxymoron (you know, like 'deafening silence' or ' bitter sweet'). We can all be full of expectations of relaxing, reading maybe a bit of nail painting. But in reality, taking children on planes, trains, buses and expeditions when there's no one but 'little ol' you' to keep things running smoothly can be exhausting. Here are some of my top tips for a successful single parent holiday for all:

1. Buddy up: if you have the chance at all, take another parent and child (ren) along with you - family or friends. Unless your child is under 3 years old they're definitely going to want to spend time away from you (and likely you from them too!). Cultivate these sorts of friendships as your children get older. Make sure that if you haven't holidayed with this adult before that you have the sort of relationship where you can talk openly to each other. It can get complex when you spend intense time with someone who has a very different parenting style to you. And make sure the children like each other too - essential for peace!!

2. Plan Ahead: Know the area or resort you're going to. Find out what sports, tours, activities and facilities there are for children. What's the food like? Is the water drinkable? How safe are the beaches? Take cards, books, games, paper, pens and music (or DVDs if you've got a player) so that impromptu slots of time can be used for fun and bonding.

3. Define some 'Me Time': make sure that for an hour a day (or 2 half hours) that the children know that you get a 'Mummy break' (or 'daddy break'). Sunbathe, people watch, sip a latte, pound the pool - whatever's your thing. Make sure the kids are either supervised or have an activity to do so that everyone can have a little essential space. Don't take more than your agreed time though. If the kids are open enough to respect this request, make sure you spend some quality time with them before and after.

4. Encourage Activity: When there's a new environment for children to explore they want to see everything, do everything, try everything. Encouraging them to swim, play, join in, ride bikes, play volleyball and surf is not just good for their fitness, it tires them out for the evening which means less fuss at bed time and an extra hour for you to read or snooze at the end of the day.

5. Reduce the Rules: Holidays are a great time to be a 'new you'. Relax the home rules a bit. Bed times can be flexible. Don't expect too much of each other. Maybe there could be a few extra ice creams or treats (don't go too mad on the sugar though - there's nothing more tiring than managing 'sugar hyped' behavior around strangers!). Where you can, and especially at meal times, take time to ask 'open' questions of your children ' what's your new friend like'; 'what's been your favorite part of the day'; 'what shall we plan for tomorrow?' These are precious times - savour every moment!