I used to relish going on holiday on my own with my son, but as he gets older, it is becoming more of a challenge.
He doesn't want to walk for endless hours on beaches like I do; he has little interest in museums or galleries unless they are specifically 'boyish', and he tires of looking around shops and seasidey attractions.
Because of this, our half term holiday by the sea was not a resounding success.
Whilst I craved a much needed break from work, William wanted to relax after a busy six weeks at school. His idea of a break was lounging on the sofa of our seaside cottage playing on his DS, whilst mine was walking and exploring the coast.
I found myself slipping into the kind of bickering with my son that I do with my ex; arguments over where to go, what to eat, what time to get up, when to go to bed, when to do the essential chores (in his case, holiday homework).
Several times I found myself stopping mid rant and silently reminding myself that I am the parent. I will not be told what to do by a seven-year-old.
But then also, I wondered, are the things I am complaining about really worth voicing? If he wants to lounge about playing computer games all morning, let him. I then have a greater bartering tool when it comes to a two hour mooch on the beach in the afternoon. Pick your battles, KRB...
My son is at the age where he wants to do 'boy' things. I know that when away with his dad they are climbing mountains, going off-road cycling, and generally doing all the things that I, as a lily-livered mummy deem too dangerous.
So really, it's little wonder that he prefers to lolling on the sofa to ambling along the beach. But more than that, it's another sign that a) he is growing up fast, and b) that I am rubbish at being on my own, no matter how much I claim to crave it.
How do you cope holidaying as a single parent
Is it easier if you have more than one child? Or if you go to specifically family-focused resorts?
Read more of Kelly's Semi-Detached columns here.