Solo Parenting Survival Guide for the Summer: Keeping it Stree-Free and Fun

Travelling solo with kids during the holiday times can be very different with young children or teenagers. Here are general reflections from my personal experience.

If you prefer audio, listen to Holding the Fort Abroad Ep# 50 https://rhodabangerter.com/captivate-podcast/50-solo/

Make it work for you

This is something that I have started doing over the past few years, and it’s really made a huge difference to how I enjoy the holidays and how our boys enjoy the holidays.  I had gotten to a point where I was so involved with what my kids wanted that I had forgotten what I enjoyed doing.

One of the things I love is being next to a body of water, so next to a lake, next to a river or next to the sea and actually have a view of it if possible. Recently I’ve vacationed near Lake Geneva and Lake Lugano. As close as I can get. I’d encourage a solo parent to sit down and have a think about what they enjoy and make sure to include that.

Focus on creating memories

I use it as a motto ‘I’m creating memories’ and remember to keep a record of those memories. It hit me last summer that we don’t have many summers left with our eldest because he’s going to be leaving home next year and graduating.

Share those memories with the other parent

Include the other parent in making those memories and sharing those memories with them and maybe making a video or video calling because I think it can be hard for the parent who’s not on holiday not be in those memory-making moments. Maybe ask them what it is that they’d like to be involved with or what kind of memories they would like to be created for the children as well. Maybe memorable places that they would want you to take the children to (Chateau de Chillon is my husband’s favourite go to)

Don’t pack too many activities in and Pace yourself

That is what I’ve had to learn over the years and I don’t always get it right during the holidays when either I am packing too many visits with friends and family or I am trying to do too many activities. Letting go of certain routines or standards in terms of food or mealtimes can be helpful and checking if what has been planned is realistic when physically parenting alone.

I hope this helps! And remember to create memories and deepen relationships with your children.

Warmly, Rhoda Bangerter