First trip as a single parent?

[magicmouse2]

I cant bare the thought of being home for Christmas this year so I have booked a trip to WDW for me and my 2 girls. DS works so he cant go. This is the first trip to WDW without my husband and I am wondering how I will cope emotionally. (For those who dont know, my husband left me a few weeks ago) Has anyone any experience of this ?

 

[magicmouse2]

Bump ?

 

[sand2270]

Hi...I am sorry to hear what happened.

I have been divorced since 2003 and I have only taken my DD8 to Disneyland as a solo parent. How old are your girls, I don't want to give you advice that isn't relevant for their ages but I am happy to give you info about our trips. My DD and I have had a blast every time and we are doing our first WDW trip next May.

 

[magicmouse2]

My girls are 12 and 11. Every other trip my husband was there with me, and I am worried I will get upset.

 

[sand2270]

My girls are 12 and 11. Every other trip my husband was there with me, and I am worried I will get upset.

Ah ok, well I will try to help if I can. I only went with my ex-husband once, and that was to Disneyland before we were married. He didn't like the fact that he couldn't get a drink...kind of set the tone for the day. LOL

I have only taken my DD solo, she is 8 now. A girls trip is fun. First of all the shopping...my DD and I love to browse and shop and you won't have to worry about a man getting impatient.

Maybe you could schedule a spa treatment like manicures or do afternoon tea. Again, girl activities. Lunches with the princesses are another good activity to do with girls. Maybe think about the things you haven't done before that you wanted to or didn't do because your husband was there.

I always look at our trips as a way for my DD and I to just focus on spending time together...it is our time to have fun and bond. I know Christmas is a tough time...and to be honest you probably will feel emotional at times. And that is ok and I am sure your daughters will understand. But you will also have fun and be creating new memories for you and your daughters.

I don't know if that helps or not. I hope it does.

 

[wdw1972]

My first trip after my ex-husband & I split was kind of weird. There were so many memories there. BUT - I wasn't about to let a failed marriage taint WDW or anything else.

At this point in your life, it's about making new memories with your kids and not dwelling on the past. I don't know the circumstances of your breakup, but whatever happened - you can move forward or stay stuck being miserable. Hopefully spending time at WDW with your kids will bring some happiness into your days, and soon the pain & loss will ease. Someday you might discover you're soooooo much better off being a single parent, too - provided the kids' dad steps up and remains a dad to them. I was a single mom also, and fortunately after a year or so my ex resumed acting like a dad. I was able to take many great solo trips to WDW, since my son could go stay with his dad for those days

 

[Dizmom0923]

My soon to be X never went with me. I have gone several times with just my kids, 6 and 15. Actually just got back we decided to evavuate there for Gustav. Have a great time and enjoy your girls. Even with worrying about the storm Disney has a way of making it all better. Let us know how it goes.

Danielle

 

[Pinkee77]

This is the first time I've been on this side of the board. I just happened to see the title of your thread.

My husband and I separated in February. We have made many trips to Disney over the years. For a very long time I have wanted to take the kids camping at Fort Wilderness. He was never interested. So I took my kids to the Fort in July. It was my first time camping and my first big trip without my husband.

We had a great time! It was a lot of work, the camping aspect was a challenge. But the kids had an absolute blast.....it is Disney after all!

I will admit that there were a couple of times that I got emotional. At times it seemed that everywhere I looked there were moms and dads with their kids (which made me feel sad that their dad was missing). And of course, there were reminders of our previous trips when we were there together. Honestly, I didn't think it would effect me that way. I thought the kids and I would be too busy enjoying the park to think of anything else.

There is no way to predict how you will react. I think it all depends on your frame of mind. I say plan the trip with your daughters, try to make things as normal as possible, create some new traditions, and make some great memories.

Hang in there! And good luck.

 

[magicmouse2]

Thanks for the replies - very helpful.
At the minute I am at the stage of looking around and seeing other couples and kids and it hurts. I know there are things that will hurt. Like going on ToT which was DHs favorite ride and one of the few reasons I could get him to go to WDW!! DH is still going seeing the kids and it hurts when he comes to pick them uop and I have to fight back the tears. But others have been there done that and got over it. wdw1972 you are so right that I can choose to be miserable or get on with life and make new happy memories. For the past few weeks I have been stuck in the not wanting to not be miserable stage. I am going to try my best to move on. His loss and I hopes he realises that someday.

 

[Vickibean]

My soon-to-be XH has been gone since May. I am taking my boys by myself in 2 1/2 weeks. You have some time between now and Christmas, so your emotions won't be so raw at that time.

Think of this as the trip to do everything he never wanted to do.

 

[pinktink83]

How old is your son? I would feel bad leaving him behind. Where is he going to go for Christmas? It seems like it would be even lonelier for him if he has to go with his dad and its just the two of them. Do you have other family there he can hang out with?

I totally relate to your feelings. Got divorced about 5 years ago. Hurt so bad at first...now, I don't care one bit (except that he acts like a big jerk all the time). I met a new man, a GOOD man and my life is much happier now. Try to focus on the things you WONT miss. And I know its near impossible to imagine, but someday, not so far off in the future, you will be happier for it, I guarantee. Take one day at a time, know thats it natural to hurt, to miss him, to want him back...even as the logical side sets in and you know its "wrong" to still feel that way. It takes time for the heart to catch up with the brain. Good luck and have fun at Christmas!

(ps, it sounds like he wasnt much fun at Disney anyway!!!!!!)

 

[magicmouse2]

Thanks. My DS is 18 and he has a job, so couldnt get time off. He is close to MIL & FIL who live very near and will be able to go there for Christmas. Thats where his Dad is living at the minute too. He ran back to his Mothers She is stupid enough to take him back and wash and iron his socks pants and shirts!!!!.
My Daughters are still very upset about the whole situation. We have to sell the house and move to a new area.

 

[PEANUT1]

I think a trip would be wonderful for your family. This is going to be a hard time for you and a vacation would really be something to look forward to for you and your girls.