Collaboration. Being a single parent can be a rewarding adventure of discovery and love, but it does come with its fair share of unique challenges. One of the most monumental tasks single parents face is planning a family vacation that strikes the right balance between enjoyment and relaxation for every member of the family. 

Holiday tips for looking after yourself as a single parent on a family holiday

Taking care of your kids solo can be tricky at the best of times, but on vacation it is all too easy to forget about your needs and focus too heavily on your kids. While this might seem like the path of least resistance and a great idea at the time, it will leave you stressed, burnt out, and having experienced none of the benefits a family vacation is supposed to deliver. 

So whether you are taking a family cruise from Southampton or heading to a luxury resort in Turkey, finding this balance is key. Luckily, with the right strategies and self-care practices in place, you can easily plan a vacation that offers enjoyment for everyone, alongside enough time to relax and rejuvenate. Here are some self-care tips for single parents to help balance responsibilities over a family vacation.

Delegate Responsibilities

Asking for help and assistance is always a good idea when it comes to solo parenting and you should never be afraid to reach out to friends, family members, or trusted babysitters to help you make your vacations work. Additional support when you are on the road can be invaluable and will relieve some of the pressure and responsibility, making it easier for everyone to relax and enjoy the experience. 

Set Realistic Expectations

Expectation management is a key part of traveling with your kids, and all the more important for single parents. Giving your kids a realistic understanding of what to expect, and preparing them for the unexpected as well, will ensure that they are not disappointed during the trip, and help them to cope with challenges or setbacks that crop up along the way. With realistic expectations you can have fun even when things go wrong, and it is important to remember that sometimes the most memorable moments come from unplanned experiences!

Carve Out Alone Time

It is vital as as single parent to find time for yourself when on vacation with your kids. You are no use to anyone if you are feeling stressed, grumpy, tired, or burnt out, so by taking a break every once in a while you will actually make the overall vacation experience better for everyone. Carving out a few moments where you can recharge your batteries, away from the demands and responsibilities of parenting, is essential, whether it is something as simple as a walk on the beach or something more involved like a visit to a spa. 

Create Boundaries 

Setting boundaries for your kids and yourself, and communicating them effectively, is an extremely important part of a family vacation. It is the most effective way of maintaining a sense of structure and routine during your time on the road, and helps create a balanced, enjoyable, and manageable environment for you all. Things like setting limits on screen time, setting curfews for older kids to return to where you are staying after exploring on their own, and being clear about safety and personal responsibility are all good teaching moments as well as being vital to the overall success of the vacation. 

By following the guidance above, single parents will find that the challenges of a family vacation become far more manageable. By giving yourself the space to enjoy the vacation too and ensuring your kids know where they stand, you will be able to create a memorable and rewarding adventure for the entire family.