Toby & Maya: Single parents in Bali

Toby has a 3 year old daughter named Maya. He’s a single parent, who has completely reorganized his life to accommodate her. Travelling with a kid is as easy as you make it, in my opinion. The kid will respond to the level of attention you give it. If every squeak is met with a worried look, the kid will have you by the throat. I think Toby is in control of his daughter, though gives a lot more attention than I do. Toby told me that many Balinese people ask him where his wife is, and do not believe that he is a single parent, that doesn’t work in their mentality. I told him to say she is in America. Ika and Jevon will be back on sunday from Java so little Maya, will have a friend to play with.

For a western single parent, visiting Bali, the challenges are, keeping the kid cool, making sure they drink enough, getting them to take a nap in the afternoon. Toby forces Maya to nap, meaning she gets a second wind and he can go out later for dinner.

The pluses for a single parent visiting Bali are, warm climate, friendly people, a culture that is kid oriented, and a whole range of snacks, smoothies, juices etc. that will keep them happy. Hiring help isn’t expensive either.