For many single parents, the summer holidays can feel like a double-edged sword. On one side, there is more time to make memories, enjoy slow mornings and (hopefully) some sunshine. On the other, the long stretch of unstructured weeks, the juggle of work and childcare, and the pressure to keep everyone happy can quickly become overwhelming.

If you are already looking at the calendar with a mix of hope and dread, you are not alone. Here is a deep dive into why the summer holidays can feel so intense and what you can do to make them more manageable, even enjoyable.

Why it feels harder when you're parenting solo

When you are parenting without a partner, the summer holidays can bring unique challenges. You might be:

• Managing work without reliable or affordable childcare
• Navigating co-parenting arrangements or the absence of them
• Facing the pressure to make the holidays 'special' or memorable
• Dealing with loneliness or feeling left out of traditional family dynamics

Even when things are going well, the weight of being the one who holds it all together can be exhausting.

Start with realistic expectations

You do not have to be the entertainment committee, chef and emotional support system all day every day. One of the most helpful mindset shifts is to let go of the idea that the holidays need to be magical from start to finish. They do not. They just need to be survivable, with a few golden moments along the way.

Ask yourself:

• What does good enough look like for us this summer?
• What do I need in order to feel okay?
• What is actually within my control?

Setting boundaries with yourself and your children around your energy, time and money can reduce feelings of resentment and burnout.

Build in anchor points and structure

Children (and adults) thrive on some predictability, even in the holidays. You do not need to timetable every hour but having a few consistent daily or weekly rituals can help. For example:

• A quiet start to the morning with no screens until breakfast is cleared
• Friday film night or a library trip every Wednesday
• A chore everyone does together before going out

These rhythms can give your days shape without becoming rigid. Visual timetables or whiteboards can help younger children understand what to expect and reduce questions like 'what are we doing now' every five minutes.

Resource tip:
Try this printable visual planner from Twinkl – many of their downloads are free with a trial account.

Find your support network

No one is meant to do this alone. Whether you are co-parenting or parenting solo, connecting with others can be a game-changer. Try:

• Joining the Frolo app to meet other single parents near you
• Asking a friend to do a childcare swap for a few hours
• Checking local Facebook groups for low-cost or free holiday activities

Resource tip:
Use Help With Childcare to check what government-funded schemes might be available for you this summer, including the Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF).

Prepare a 'low-effort' toolkit

There will be days when the energy is low or the weather is terrible and you just need a plan B. Having a ready-made list of simple, low-cost activities can ease the pressure of coming up with something on the spot.

Ideas include:

• Indoor picnic with fancy drinks in plastic cups
• DIY obstacle course using cushions, chairs and a timer
• Making ice lollies from juice or yoghurt
• Watching a nostalgic kids film from your own childhood
• Drawing on tin foil with washable felt tips
• Balloon tennis with fly swatters or paper plates
• Making puppets from socks and telling a story
• Cloud-spotting with a snack outside
• A scavenger hunt in the garden or local park
• Home disco with glowsticks from the pound shop

Resource tip:

• The Dad Lab and The Imagination Tree – Easy crafts and science fun
• The Woodland Trust Nature Detectives – Printable nature activities for walks and garden play
• BBC Tiny Happy People – Play ideas for different age groups that require minimal prep
• PlayHOORAY – Ideas and play prompts for under-8s using everyday items
• Toy Library Finder – Borrow games, crafts and toys for free or low cost

Keep a “boredom box” of things you can pull out when needed, or write activities on slips of paper and let your child pick one at random.

Manage the mental load

Single parents carry a lot of invisible work, especially during the holidays. If your brain is a spinning to-do list, try:

• Writing everything down in one place
• Choosing just three things a day to focus on
• Saying no to anything that does not align with your energy or values this summer

Resource tip:
Try Organised Mum Method for free printable weekly plans, or the TimeTree app to share calendars if you are co-parenting.

Getting the mental clutter out of your head and onto paper can give you a sense of control. And remember – some days, just keeping everyone safe and fed is enough.

Be gentle with yourself

You might feel guilt about screen time. You might compare yourself to two-parent families doing picture-perfect beach trips. You might just want a break from it all.

Give yourself permission to feel all of that. You are doing something incredibly hard, and you are doing it day after day. That is enough. Rest when you can. Celebrate the small wins. Eat ice cream for dinner if it buys you peace.

You are not falling short. You are showing up.

Further support

• Frolo – Community support, meet-ups and advice
• Family Action – Financial, practical and emotional support
• YoungMinds – Help with children’s mental health
• The Mix – Support for young people (helpful if you have teens)
• BBC Bitesize Parents – Learning and activity ideas for school-age kids
• MoneyHelper – Help with budgeting, benefits and family finance

You’ve got this.

‍Summer does not have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

We would love to hear from you in the Frolo community – what helps you survive and thrive during the school holidays?

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