How to Cope When Your Kids Are Away This Summer: A Guide for Single Parents

A father carries his two young daughters through a vibrant field of red poppies, while a son runs ahead under a clear blue sky.

For many newly single parents, the first summer holiday without your children can feel like a strange mix of freedom, sadness, and uncertainty. When your kids head off on holiday with your ex, it can stir up a whole host of emotions - from loneliness and loss to anxiety or even guilt for enjoying some downtime.

If this is your first summer co-parenting, you’re not alone and your feelings are completely valid. This time apart can be emotionally challenging, but it can also be an opportunity for rest, self-care, and reconnection with yourself.

Here are some gentle, practical tips to help you navigate this time:

1. Acknowledge How You Feel (Without Judgement)

Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up - sadness, jealousy, relief, even moments of peace. Emotions may shift day by day, and that’s okay. Keeping a diary or talking to a trusted friend or coach can help you process what you're going through.

2. Set a Simple Routine for Yourself

With your usual parenting structure on pause, it can help to create a flexible routine just for you. Set gentle goals for the day - even if it’s as simple as going for a walk, reading a chapter of a book or cooking something nourishing. Structure can create calm during emotional turbulence.

3. Plan Small Treats to Look Forward To

Use this time to reconnect with yourself. Whether it’s a trip to the cinema, a spa day, a long walk or binge-watching your favourite series guilt-free - give yourself moments of joy without apology. This isn’t selfish, it’s self care.

4. Reconnect with the ‘You’ Outside of Parenthood

Who were you before the constant demands of parenting? What hobbies or passions have taken a back seat? This quiet time can be a rare gift - a space to reconnect with your identity beyond being a mum or dad.

5. Stay Connected (Without Hovering)

If it’s agreed and appropriate, occasional texts or calls with your children can help you feel connected while respecting their time with their other parent. Let them know you’re thinking of them, but try not to overstep or interrupt their experience.

6. Lean Into Your Support Network

You don’t have to do this alone. Make plans with friends or family, even if it’s just a coffee or a chat. If your usual circle is unavailable, consider local meet-ups, volunteering or online communities for single parents. Sharing space with others can ease the sense of isolation.

7. Reflect on What You Need — and Respect It

Do you need rest? Adventure? Company? Time to grieve or reset? Listen to what you truly need right now, and let that guide your choices. This is your time too. Remember that what worked for others may not work for you so trust your instincts and do what you need to do.

8. Know That This Gets Easier

The first time your children go away without you is often the hardest. But with each shared holiday, your confidence and emotional resilience will grow. You are learning a new rhythm - and you’re doing better than you think.

Your children may also feel apprehensive about being away from you so try your hardest to keep your brave face firmly on until they've left. I would weep uncontrollably when my little ones had left for their summer stay with my ex, but while they were preparing to leave, I plastered on my biggest smile. They need to know that everything is ok and then they can relax and enjoy their time with both of you.

Being without your children over the summer doesn’t mean you stop being their parent. Love doesn’t take a holiday. This quiet time may feel unfamiliar, uncomfortable and even painful, but it can also be a powerful space to heal, reset and find your own calm.

Be kind to yourself. You’re doing an incredible job navigating something many people don’t fully understand. And remember: your children will come back - and you’ll greet them rested, stronger

and ready for the next chapter.