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I want to go on holiday

I have never been on a holiday before because my family can't afford it. we are not the poorest people ever and we can afford normal things, but a holiday has always been out the question. I keep hearing about my peers going on holiday, or seeing their posts on social media. It is so unfair because it feels like everyone gets nice things but me. I just want to go on one holiday once, at least, and I see some people in school go on more than one holiday a year. It makes me very mad and jealous because it feels like the world is telling me they are more important and deserving than I am. I sometimes want to tell them that they are very spoilt, but it doesn't solve my problem, it just makes me bitter.

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Sam

Hi there,

It can be tough when other people are going to places you haven’t been, especially when your own family isn’t able to go away. You are as important as everyone, but it’s natural to feel jealous sometimes.

Social media can make it feel like you’re surrounded by news of other people’s holidays. When you’re feeling like this is getting you down, it can help to give yourself some space from it. You could think about certain people for a few days or do something new yourself, like learning a new skill or doing something creative to help you feel more able to cope.

It’s really important to express how you’re feeling. It can help to write your thoughts and frustrations down on your phone or paper to offload. If you want to keep things private, you could delete or throw away what you create.

It can help to remember that going on holiday is only one way to create new experiences. Try having a look to see what’s going on near you in the Summer holidays, there may be free local events or more affordable places to visit, like a family friendly weekend festival. Talking to your family to let them know how you are feeling can help you to understand your situation and allow the time to think about what might be possible for your family.

Although it can feel hard, you won’t be the only family not going away and you can always talk about your feelings to other young people on the Childline message boards, it’s a great place for support.

Take care,

Sam

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