I am looking for tips from moms of only kids about vacations. It is always fun to have kids to play with but now that my d is ten, a lot of kids already have friends and family to play with. We are not taking a child with us as we will be gone a month.
My d can play by herself and entertain herself fine, but at hotel pools and such I wish we had someone her age for her to play with. We always take toys like dive sticks.
Often we vacation with friends who also have an only--which works out great. Or extended family vacations where there are cousins, etc. to hang with.
The times that it's just been the 3 of us, my son has always made friends pretty easily on the beach or at the pool......
I too have an only child, a 10-year-old daughter like yours! First, feel totally fortunate that she can play by herself and entertain herself just fine. These are important skills; no one of any age should just have to be around others or depend on others for entertainment all the time. The ability to entertain herself, without moping around saying "I'm bored," is important.
We all want our kids to have fun on vacation. But I usually find that kids will home in on each other. Hotel pools usually have other kids (though you can't choose ages, or whether the other kids are there in a gang of kids and arent' interested in including your child -- well, that's life, and kids need to learn that). Bringing and sharing pool toys, beach toys, games, etc. is a wonderful thing to do and breaks the ice perfectly.
Also be sure to visit some places that likely will have plenty of kids: Museum exhibits that are kid-friendly and interactive; historic sites that have kids' trails and activities, etc. It doesn't have to be all pools, playgrounds and beaches for kids to find other kids. National parks have kids' programming and terrific "junior ranger" programs that let kids earn patches and badges; many historic sites have scheduled kids' activities; museums have caught on that kids love hands-on areas. Get her there and let the rest just happen.
She'll be fine. I love vacations with just the three of us. It's great to have alone time with your kid, and it's not essential to provide playmates; just try to hit some spots where kids might be present, and encourage her to share those experiences with other kids. She may actually enjoy doing more grown-up things with you at this age, so she may balk a bit if you prompt her to go talk to other kids, yet on the next day, she may be especially outgoing with kids who are strangers. Go with her flow and enjoy.
Our only child (daughter, 17) loved family vacations.
She is super social and always ended up making friends where ever we were.
Around the age of 12, we started taking a one of her friends with us. We paid 100% of the guest's vacation with exception to the extra spending $ the parents sent for treats, etc. This was airfare, all Disney fees/tickets, food. These vacations were usualy Disney and SanDestin for Spring Breaks through the 10th grade. We did not include a friend to Hawaii but it was not an issue because there was so much to do there.
We are still completely happy and no regrets with one child. She'll tell you today, there is no way she'd want a sibling..... things are too good for her as they are!!
I loved taking my only d places. It won't take your girl long to meet friends at the hotel pools. I(f she has the dive sticks and toys, the kids will be flocking to her. And She is going to eat up having your undivided attention. I envy ya'll. Have a great time.
I agree with the cruise, we've gone on many with our DD and she always made a special friend at the kids club. All cruise lines have them and it's a great way to let everyone have some downtime...even M.!
since it's a month, you're right....taking a friend along is out!
There's 9 years between my sons. So my oldest was pretty much an only child. Conversely, my younger son (age 15) has been pretty much an only child, too- these last few years. We've been blessed with 1st cousins the exact same age as my sons....so we almost always had instant companionship! The rest of the time, my sons flew solo....& loved meeting new people on our trips.
When planning trips, try to choose family-friendly locations & facilities. It will make a huge difference. & as for the dive sticks....sometimes we even use coins! Oh, & since she's 10....the electronics age will be biting soon & she'll be more focused on her phone/Ipad/etc.... Life will be changing very soon!
At the beginning of the trip, give her a Travel Journal. Let her fill it in as your trip unfolds. Let her use the camera, take lots of pens/markers/etc, & let her be a part of the planning/direction thruout the trip. All of this will make it "more" of an experience for her!
Depends on the vacation. If you are close enough to someone to take their kid along, consider it. We often take the kids' friends (one each) to the lake. It's only a week, though, and we figure we're paying for the house, might as well fill it. It can be more food, but it's also great to throw the kids out on the lawn together. If the friend could join her for just part of the trip, it might be fun.
If you are going to be somewhere for a month, ask the hotel/travel agent/resort what might be available in that area for a 10 yr old. There might be local activities (I took my daughter to a nature center program) that aren't on the resort list.
How about a cruise? She can hang out at the Kids Camp and have so much fun. Royal Caribbean has a great camp where the spearate by age. We brought my only on a cruise last year and she would get so upset when we came to pick her up. We can't wait to cruise again!
I understand... sometimes I feel guilty about not playing with my son as much as I think I should. He's an only child and so there's times he asks me to play and I don't want to, but I feel bad b/c he doesn't have anyone else to ask. It's a delicate balance for sure!
I think as far as that goes you just have to hope maybe there will be some kids at the pool or something. Other than that keeping her busy and remembering that sometimes you can hop in a play too!
There are downfalls to not having a sibling to play with, but think of the chances you get to bond with her diving for sticks and such. And I love having one kid b/c while he doesn't have the playmate he also doesn't have anyone to fight with!! :-) Good luck and enjoy your vacation!!
