Spring break is over and if you’re anything like me, you’re already mentally planning your next trip. While I was on vacation, I noticed some parents (myself included) feeling stressed, making tight schedules, and becoming stuck in a rigid mindset. Vacations are to enjoy each other, build core memories, maybe get that Christmas card picture, and to take a much needed break from household chores. Sometimes, we become so busy planning the “perfect” vacations, that we lose sight of what is really important: family time, bonding, and those core memories. So if you find yourself getting stressed out instead of entering relaxation mode, here are some tips to help make your next vacation less stressful and more successful.
- Do your research! Think of a few different places you would like to go ahead of time. If your kids are old enough, do a family vote on where you’re This helps your kids get excited and feel like they have input.
- Consider your family’s age and Make sure the places you are looking at have something for everyone. Sometimes it is hard when you have different age groups to make everyone happy, and researching ahead of time can help alleviate that stress.
- Prepare for the travel days. Are you flying or driving? We do road trips now and then and play games in the car to help pass the time. Some games include the licence plate game, the state capital game, the ABC game, I Spy, etc. You can also play name that tune, trivia, and other free apps on your When flying or driving, I would pack “special” snacks (snacks they don’t normally get), some coloring books or word find books. Download a few movies if your kids are into that!
- Set behavior expectations ahead of time with consequences/rewards. I have seen so many parents/caregivers threaten to “turn the car around”, “take you back to the room” and it never Now, I don’t necessarily think these are productive consequences. Set related and actionable consequences that you are willing to follow through with. All parents/caregivers need to be on the same page with this.
- Pack your Patience Pants. If/when your kids cry, do not tell them to stop crying, or the infamous “I’ll give you something to cry about!” Kids, just like us, can get overwhelmed, tired, hot, frustrated, and irritable. Validate their feelings (even if you are annoyed) and ask how you can help/what they
- Plan Breaks! Especially if your kids are still taking naps or need rest Kids just like us, need time to recharge, Make sure you plan the time and space for them to do so.
- Set a budget on souvenirs. Make sure to be transparent about the budget and remind your kids if they just neeeed that stuffy on the very first day. When it’s gone, it’s gone.
- Be flexible with your thinking and planning. Not everything is going to go the way you imagined. It could rain, the ride you were so excited about could be a let down, little Johnny might get sick, and that’s It’s all about perspective and making the most of the time together.
- Be prepared with the essentials. Pack extra socks (in case it rains or their little feet get hot), snacks, and a refillable water bottle (most places have refill stations).
- Have your kids keep a travel journal. I always packed a travel journal for my littles. At the end of every day to help wind down before bed, I had my kids write or draw what their favorite part of the day If you ask my (now grown) kids today, they’ll say they’re grateful we did that as it taught them to appreciate the trips we took.
