Single Parent Vacations

Posted by Tina Musial May 30, 2006

Well, this weekend I took my kids camping. It's not my first venture camping as a single parent, but I wonder if it may be my last!

Camping from my childhood brings forth memories of campfires, going to the beach and eating lots of good food. As an adult, I see why my mom didn't care about camping - it's a lot of work! First their is the packing and the shopping and planning. Then load it up, get it there, set it up. Of course, someone is hungry and wants a snack before the tent is up or the food unloaded.

Luckily, my kids are avid SURVIVOR watchers. They do understand the concept of needing shelter ALMOST as much as they need food. I say almost, because they know all they have to do is get to a package and they can open it up. Why can't I stop mid tent and get the S'mores stuff out? Oh, well, you can make a fire quick too before going back to the tent. It's dark? So, we'll hold the flashlight so you can get the tent up.

It goes on like this for awhile. I think the tent ended up being together by 11:15 and the kids in bed at 11:30. Yes, they did sleep in - until almost 8:30!

After three crazy days of "relaxing" as we run to the park, swim, rent pedal bikes, cook, clean, shop for dry clothes since it rained a foot, go off-roading, visit Grandma's camper twice AND shake Yogi Bear's hand, it's time to head home.

Why do I not feel like I had a vacation? Hmmm. It may be the pile of laundry, soggy boxes of food to put away and the inch of sand in the vehicle that needs to be swept out. Relaxing - not really. Fun - yes! Will we do it all over again in 3 weeks - yes!

Single parent vacations may not be all that relaxing, but then, what vacations really are with kids? At least the stuff is semi-packed for the next round!