Being a parent comes with many responsibilities. The things you used to do change, as you become accountable for little ones. This means the activities that you once enjoyed, such as hobbies and going on vacation, are now a different experience and shared with the whole family.
But it doesn’t always have to be this way. As a parent, you are entitled to take some time away from your children and have a break. This can be hard for some parents, and invoke many different emotions, such as guilt. You must find a balance between enjoying life with your children, and doing some things for yourself. This is great for your mental health and well-being, helps you maintain your identity and sense of self, and be a good role model to your children. While it can be hard, it will enable you to be the best parent that you can be.
If you are not sure how to plan a kid-free holiday, or you are struggling with guilt, here are some top tips to help you get started.
#1 Learn to accept
Acceptance is going to be key to planning and enjoying a kid-free holiday. There is no point in going on one if you are not going to enjoy yourself. You deserve a break and you shouldn’t let guilt get in the way. Learning to accept can be difficult at first, and is something that will come with practice. Try to let go of any bad judgments that you have about yourself, and take an honest look at your current situation without adding meaning to it. Remind yourself that you are allowed to take time away from your children, they will be okay, you will be okay, and you will all have fun.
#2 Start small
Booking something small is a great place to start. When thinking about going away without your children, it is unlikely that you are going to plan a six-month holiday. But before you plan a week or two away, you should think about taking smaller trips, such as day trips or weekends away. Perhaps book a men’s retreat or a spa weekend, so you can dip your toes into how it is going to feel for you and your children. If you haven’t spent time away from them before, it is going to feel strange and possibly uncomfortable at first. Starting small will help you ease into it. You can do this a few times throughout the year, and slowly build it up accordingly.
#3 Find a balance
Planning a holiday without your children, shouldn’t take away from your time with your kids. If you can find a way to balance both and plan holidays with your children and without, you will feel much better yourself. Sprinkle holidays throughout the year that will be fun for you and your children to enjoy together. You should also find something fun for your children to do while you are away, for example, they may enjoy staying at a kid’s camp or with their favourite grandparents.
Going away as a parent can be difficult. Follow these top tips to help you get started.
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