October Half Term - Just wondering if any Mums out there have ever gone it alone with 2 kids for a week? I have a 7 & 4 year old. Hubby has to work, but can follow me down to help me set up the awning and then return home for the week.
I am very excited at the idea, but a little worried that there might be some obvious pitfalls that I have not considered. I have showering facilities in the van so I am sorted for that.
I am also an experienced tower by the way - and I do all the setting up anyway, so that does not worry me.
I guess it would just be nice to hear from anyone who has already done it and survived!
Hi, I do it with my two little terrors who are also 7&4 and will be doing it again in October. Hubby tows me there and visits a couple of evenings during the week and commutes to work from the caravan - normally times it nicely so he can empty the loo!!!
We've managed fine, we all shower in the van as its a separate cubicle which saves fuss at the showerblock and I fill and empty aquaroll/wastemaster. The only thing I haven't fully got to grips with is emptying the loo which I must get sorted but in the meantime we have a no 1s only in the van toilet rule so it won't get smelly and I always encourage the kids to use the site toilets.
I really enjoy it as it only takes about half an hour to give the caravan awning a good clean & tidy compared to all the housework I normally have at home so I get to spend more quality time with the children and also sneak in a good read. Last time when I stayed at the Plassey the warden heard I was on my own and came and told me that whatever I needed or help with anything at any time I should just call in at reception which was a really nice touch.
I used to do it all the time - I didn't have an OH back when they were that age.
I did find it a struggle putting up a big tent with 2 kids but it was the only thing that I had to have them help me with.
There are lots of people on campsites that are willing to help you out.
Even now that I have an OH - he has volunteered to help me set up and then go home again - I have normally timed this so we have a weekend together once set up then I go and get the kids for the rest of the time.
I used to enjoy it but missed the company in the evenings when the kids had gone to bed.
If you are a little worried about being away on your own - go somewhere that is not to far so that if you have any problems and need your OH - he can be within easy reach.
------------- Degsy Rowlands is my love, my life and a lunatic!!!!!!!! Louise x
My mum used to do it over 35 years ago. My dad would tow the caravan to the site, stay for the weekend then leave us. My mum didn't even drive but we would have a ball and then dad would come back for us the next weekend. I would definitely go for it as you will spend more quality time with your kids away than you will just staying at home.
Julie
------------- Wish I could go camping more and not have to work for a living!!!
I've done it, towed there and set up then hubby will come up a couple of days later if work permitted, then either stay with us or go home.
It's not daunting and people are always around if you need a hand with the awning ect :)
Give it a go you will like it.
------------- "I'm a fool for my dogs"
Adopt a rescue, rescue dogs make great pets, don't support puppy farms.
The road can be tough and rough,but what you put in you get back 10 x more.
Quote: Originally posted by JenniferB on 06/9/2011
I am also an experienced tower by the way - and I do all the setting up anyway, so that does not worry me.
Sounds like you do it all on your own already - if you're ever looking to re-marry, let me know...
PS: excellent choice of van
------------- 'In later life, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than with the things you did.' - Mark Twain
I have done it too, Its fine, I do find it more usefull if we take both the cars though so at least I can get out further afield if the weather is bad. Plus its not much fun getting pushchairs and dogs on buses.
My partner can't get time off next summer at all because of the olympics but she still wants to get away when possible so will be looking at me and the kids being away for about 4 weeks somewhere and she can come down to us whenever possible.
I don't mind it as long as she tows it there for me and picks the van up, Its sort of easier in a way as generally if you are pitched near the park the kids keep themselves busy a lot of the day.
------------- Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.
Thanks all of you for your replies! You have filled me with confidence. All I need to do now is find a site with availability!!
nelmo - Totally agree on the Geist caravans - I LOVE mine so much it's almost unhealthy! Wish they were still manufacturing and showing - not that I'd want to change or upgrade - I just think it's a pity.
Anyway - off to call a few sites. Thanks again for all the encouragement.
I've just returned from a few days away on my own with the kiddies and loved it. Much nicer and more relaxed than stopping at home. DH drove us there and re-joined us at the weekend. I did feel a little lonely one night as we were the only ones on the site but we were well watched out for by the owners of the site. Showering in the caravan...now why didn't I think of that? Would have been a lot easier than 3 of us cramming in the shower on site! My children are 8 & 5 and loved every minute too. Enjoy!
Lisa
Quote: Originally posted by JenniferB on 06/9/2011
Thanks all of you for your replies! You have filled me with confidence. All I need to do now is find a site with availability!!
nelmo - Totally agree on the Geist caravans - I LOVE mine so much it's almost unhealthy! Wish they were still manufacturing and showing - not that I'd want to change or upgrade - I just think it's a pity.
Anyway - off to call a few sites. Thanks again for all the encouragement.
Have fun :) it's very liberating too
------------- "I'm a fool for my dogs"
Adopt a rescue, rescue dogs make great pets, don't support puppy farms.
The road can be tough and rough,but what you put in you get back 10 x more.
Oh my gosh! The only place I can get a pitch for the dates I want is on the Isle of Wight! Talk about throwing myself in at the deep end! Oh well, in for a penny.....
Quote: Originally posted by JenniferB on 06/9/2011
Oh my gosh! The only place I can get a pitch for the dates I want is on the Isle of Wight! Talk about throwing myself in at the deep end! Oh well, in for a penny.....
Really? I just called 2 places today (New Forest and Stratford-upon-Avon) - both have availability at half-term...
------------- 'In later life, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than with the things you did.' - Mark Twain
Do they offer fully serviced pitches? If so, which ones. Stratford is too far for me - but the New Forest would be ideal. Tried Sandy Balls but they are FB.
Hi Jennifer B - remember us - we use to have a Geist AK495 and gave you some advice on bed layout etc.. - did you ever meet up with our friends that live in Mayford? They eventually bought our 495 so now have the same van as you also.
Let me know if you need to reconnect as i know she often also caravans alone with children - places like Sandy Balls etc..
Although expensive (but you save on petrol as you dont need to travel far) have you tried Wellington Country Park - nice site with good facilities for young children.
We just had a single lady with her 2 children, we did go that extra bit to make her feel welcome and safe. She came and had a couple of cups of tea with us which made her feel more relaxed and willing to shout if she had a problem. Campsite owners will keep an extra eye on you if they know you are by yourself
------------- Visit Llandrindod Wells! Great scenery, walks, cycling, red kites. Ideal for exploring Mid Wales.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Going it alone half term?
