Single Parent Dad: Recovering From Our Holiday

Single Parent Dad: Recovering From Our Holiday

Parenting can seem like a rollercoaster; a series of highs and lows, and some corners that while you don't actually come off, you totally feel like you are going to.

For me school holidays are the ultimate ride. Trying to maintain a balance between keeping my child and myself happy, while struggling to keep on top of all the chores and not letting employers down.

I place immense importance on breaks in the school terms, mostly as I miss the pre-school days and really value the uninterrupted time in my son's company.

Plans usually include days out with friends, visits to some of our chums in far reaches of the country, as well as playing hosts at Chez Newbold.

Last week was a daily barrage of semi-organised fun. "What are we doing tomorrow dad?" was met every time with either an activity or the names of folks visiting or being visited.

But I think I over-filled the week. We are both exhausted.

Staying up until silly o'clock working, ironing, cleaning, cooking or packing coupled with days out geocaching (high tech treasure hunt), swimming or whatever, has left me totally drained. And my boy was already tired when his school's first half-term finished.

I probably should have scheduled more 'nothing'. Or certainly more time for indoor craft ideas.

There's also the fact that he didn't want to go back to school, and nor did I want to send him, because we'd had so much fun together.

Still, will I learn and change what we do next time?

I very much doubt it.

You can catch up on Ian's previous Single Parent Dad columns here.

Close