Single-parenting after divorce or separation can be a real mixed bag of experiences, especially during school holidays when there’s the pressure of additional financial work and time pressure. This can be especially true for those who don’t have friends or family nearby to share the load when it comes to childcare and support.
With that in mind, here are some of our tips for getting the most out of the kids’ Easter holidays as a single parent.
Plan, plan, plan
Whenever we discuss how to successfully organise the child arrangements during the holidays, planning comes at the top of the list (similar to organising your Christmas arrangements). But it really is the most important thing you can do so that both you and your children can enjoy their break from school as opposed to dreading it.
Communicating suggested plans early means everyone can manage their expectations – whether that’s you, your children or your ex-partner. If you’re a working parent, it also means you’ll give yourself plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements with work, make any adjustments, and book those kids holiday clubs and camps that come in so handy at times.
The bottom line? When it comes to the holidays and child arrangements, there’s no such thing as ‘too organised’.
Get children involved in the planning
If this is the first holiday since you and your ex-partner separated, your children may feel a little trepidation about their ‘new normal’ and feel pretty out of control of their situation.
Try getting them involved in your planning so they can get excited about creating new memories with you and their other parent. You might like to sit down together and choose from some options for days out, for example, and whether there are any friends they’d like to see.
Have a back-up plan
Things don’t always go according to plan. It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case, for whatever reason, curveballs come your way (your child is unwell, or someone is no longer able to have them as arranged, for instance).
Easter shows for kids at Harrogate Theatre
Check out Harrogate Theatre’s Little Stages Festival featuring a musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler’s best-selling book – A Squash and a Squeeze. More details here.
Knaresborough Castle
Make your own medieval catapult at this free event on 7 April at Knaresborough Castle.
Fountains Abby and Studley Royal
From 28 March to 12 April (10am to 4pm) make your way along the Easter trail and find activities for the whole family. Full details of everything that is on can be found here.
Co-parenting and single parenthood can be challenging. But remember, you’ve got this. Communicate with your support network and give yourself plenty of time to make arrangements, and when the kids are tired out and in bed, take some time to put your feet up and relax.
If you’re struggling with an ex-partner and child arrangements following a divorce or separation, we’re here to help at Harrogate Family Law.
