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To the Parents of Spirited Kids
Hey there, fellow parents!
There’s nothing quite like being 3,000 miles away from home, feeling stressed and jet-lagged with two wild little ones to make you start questioning if you’re really cut out for this whole parenting gig. That’s exactly where I found myself last week while “vacationing” in sunny California with my kids, visiting friends and family. My two-year-old took almost a week to adjust to the new time zone, and let me tell you, the mornings and evenings were filled with plenty of whiny, tearful meltdowns. He keeps asking when we’re going home (trust me, I’m wondering that too!). Meanwhile, my picky eight-year-old has survived solely on cereal and chips. Ah, the joys of travel.
Every morning, as we head down for the continental breakfast, it’s a chorus of sibling squabbles: “Stop touching me! That’s my chair! Why do you keep saying my name?” And then there’s the arguments with us: “But you said we could have chocolate for breakfast!” The food complaints are a whole other level—my eight-year-old swears that California milk tastes different from New York milk, while my two-year-old insists the pancakes aren’t round enough.
And the noise—oh boy! They’re so loud, with their high-pitched voices and endless chatter. They’re standing on chairs, hiding under tables, and crafting elaborate kingdoms out of their toast and waffles, all while pouring salt on each other’s heads. You can imagine the heads turning. One mom at a nearby table shoots us a disapproving look while my son has strawberry jam smeared across his nose and my other child has his hand down his pants. We’re definitely not winning any awards for civility here.
We try to shush them, and they sort of listen. Yes, we whisk them out if they get too rowdy, but let’s be real—they’re just being kids, and it’s as wild as it gets.
When I was a newer mom, those judgmental stares would have cut me like a knife. I would have turned my eyes inward, doubting my parenting abilities. My thoughts would spiral: Why are my kids the loudest in the room? Look at that calm family next to us, cutting their waffles into perfect squares. Even their baby is behaving, opening his mouth as mom feeds him green mush.
Why won’t my kids just follow simple directions? It feels like they’re the only ones who don’t care about what their parents say. Other parents seem to have it all figured out, armed with discipline books and sticker charts. Stickers! That’s the trick I need to try.
Even now, as we navigate public spaces with our cranky kids, I find myself feeling like my parenting skills are on display—not just in the hotel breakfast room, but also with family and friends I haven’t seen in years, whose opinions I care about. In those moments when my kids misbehave, it’s like being back in middle school, flushed and anxious, wanting to hide away.
But let’s talk about the silver lining I’ve learned over the years: I am not alone. And guess what? Neither are you!
I’ll admit, I kind of dislike when people say that to struggling parents. Because in those chaotic moments, it truly feels like you’re all by yourself. But deep down, you can remember that every parent experiences days when they feel like they’re winging it, especially when they’re outside their comfort zone and feel the weight of the world’s eyes upon them.
So, to all you parents out there with your rambunctious children: Your kids are not the only ones throwing tantrums in public, even after you’ve done your best to prepare and rest them. Your kids aren’t the only ones who seem to have forgotten about cleanliness and good manners. You’re not alone in having kids who take “spirited” to another level—dancing on tables, crying for candy at dawn, and showing off their belly buttons to strangers.
And let’s face it, you’re not the only parent feeling lost and unsure. It’s completely normal for kids to be messy, loud, and a bit unhinged, especially in new environments. The truth is, your kids are great at being themselves, even when it feels like too much. You’re not alone in feeling stretched thin or like you might be going a little crazy.
At the very moment you’re questioning your parenting abilities, there’s someone else feeling just as overwhelmed. It might even be me, right there alongside you.
And if you’re eager for more insights and support, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination at Progyny. For anyone looking for tools to help on this journey, consider visiting Make A Mom for some great options. And don’t forget to read our post on privacy policies here.
Summary
Parenting can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re traveling with kids who are out of their element. Remember that you’re not alone in feeling like you’re struggling to keep it all together. Other parents are navigating similar challenges, and it’s completely normal for kids to be wild and messy. Embrace the chaos, and know that you’re doing your best.