single parent questions for a holiday

coolcats

Hello I am a single parent of 3, 2 different dads. I want to take them on holiday but have restrictions that make it hard.
Would it be acceptable to take the older 2 on holiday leaving youngest with his dad. I'm thinking long weekend type of thing. I have no transport myself so would be public transport. I am thinking haven which I can get to with a bus ride, train ride and a bus.
Going with other people is not an option. And I know I couldn't do all 3 on my own as all the different ages and needs and luggage needed, 3, 7,9. The older 2 only have me, my son goes to his dad a few times a week, for 24 hours at a time.
All thoughts and suggestions welcome

kingfisherblue

I'm also a single parent and have been for seven years. My children were 13, 7 and 5 when my ex left. My middle child is disabled.

I found that a coach holiday with a local company was best. It meant a taxi to the collection point and after that, I was free to see to the children as I didn't need to think about luggage, transport, directions, etc. We've had some lovely holidays in the Isle of Wight, Weston-Super-Mare, etc. Also, as the holidays are in hotels, I didn't have to cook or wash up, so it was a holiday for me as well.

The holidays also include day trips, so no time to get bored. I always take a pack of colouring pens, a new puzzle book, and a magentic puzzle (hangman, four in a row, or similar from the pound shop) to keep them amused on the journey.

I know it isn't for everyone, but it might be worrth considering.

Lilly11a

could the youngest dad come also and help you out?

Kynthia

My sister would get the train to places nearby like Clacton and stay in caravan parks like Park Resorts. She would usually go with another single parent friend. It meant they could make their own lunch and dinner to keep the costs down. Also there are activities on site and children are allowed in the bar with entertainers keeping them happy, so she could have a drink and chat in the evening.

coolcats

Thanks for the suggestions. Will look into the coach holiday, did think about it, but they don't travel well so we couldn't go too far, but stil worth a thought.
Could ask the Dad to come to help, but we don't get on that great and he doesn't work, also tells me he hasn't any money (can afford a car and to smoke). Not sure I would want to spend the time with him either.
It would be ideal to share it with another single parent and suggested the idea to one I know but she wasn't really interested. Shame as she has a 7 seater that we can all fit in, and share all the travel costs.Thats why I'm thinking Haven, as plenty to do, mostly free. And most important evening enterainment suitable for us all to enjoy!

shortdog

How far is your local Haven? Is there anyone (eg youngests dad) who would drive you there and back for the petrol? Once you get there, you'd manage fine with all three, as they'd be well entertained, it would just be the travel that was difficult.

coolcats

Thinking the Haven at Exmouth its bus then train then its a bus journey from the station, about 4 hours, 2 by car. Don't think we would all fit in his car. Little one has epilepsy which isn't proplerly controlled yet. Main reason I have concerns about taking him.

NAR

I would leave the 3 year old with their dad, as that child will not remember too much about a holiday, or rather missing out on one.
If they had been older it might be a different situation.

*Louise*

I don't see leaving the 3 year old with his Dad for the weekend while you take the older ones away as being a problem.

You feel guilty about it though don't you?

You really shouldn't, you can ask the little ones Dad to take him somewhere special so you won't feel like he is missing out.

At that age, he won't be able to compare what is happening with his siblings, he will just enjoy what does happen. You should go and enjoy yourself for a bit and make some nice memories with your older two without feeling bad

shegirl

coolcats wrote: »

Thinking the Haven at Exmouth its bus then train then its a bus journey from the station, about 4 hours, 2 by car. Don't think we would all fit in his car. Little one has epilepsy which isn't proplerly controlled yet. Main reason I have concerns about taking him.

I always get a taxi up from Exmouth train station.So much easier (ds severe autistic with other probs and loads of luggage lol) and quicker,saves waiting around too!

Where are you travelling from?

coolcats

Thank you for all the replies.

I do feel guilty as I try to treat them all the same. I know I shouldn't feel guilty. The youngest one has days out that the older ones haven't had, his dad having a car and us using public transport makes a big difference.

We are in North Devon. How much is the taxi to get there?

I think it is a case of if we don't go with out him we don't go at all. We missed out on a group holiday earlier in the year as he was in and out of hospital at the time, so a shame to have no holiday at all this year.