How to Handle Your Kid’s Post-Fun Meltdown

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Once, while reflecting on how traveling with kids has evolved, a wise friend remarked, “When you take a trip with children, it’s not a vacation; it’s an adventure.” Isn’t that spot on? I genuinely cherish our family getaways. A change of scenery and the opportunity to create lasting memories is priceless. However, I never seem to return home feeling refreshed. And those three days following our trips? We call that The Hangover From Fun.

What is The Hangover From Fun?

The Hangover From Fun strikes kids in the aftermath of any exciting event. The moment you step through your front door, the tears and chaos begin, regardless of whether you had a picture-perfect vacation where everyone was well-behaved or a trip filled with sibling squabbles and sleepless nights.

I once thought this Hangover was just a temporary phase, attributing it to having babies, being pregnant again, or late-night nursing sessions. Fast forward to my 9-year-old, 7-year-old, and 5-year-old, and that pesky Hangover From Fun is still here, refusing to budge.

Does The Hangover From Fun Happen Only After Vacations?

Not a chance! The Hangover From Fun isn’t confined to vacations; oh no! It can hit after major holidays and even when out-of-town relatives depart. Believe it or not, it can even strike just moments into Christmas morning!

Can The Hangover From Fun Occur During a Vacation?

Absolutely. If your vacation is prolonged, especially during an action-packed summer, The Hangover From Fun can rear its ugly head before you even head home. Just check out these snapshots from our recent trip to visit Nana and Papa in Cape Cod. The Hangover was clearly making an early appearance!

Will The Hangover From Fun Ever Disappear?

Honestly, I’m not sure. After seven years in this parenting rollercoaster, The Hangover From Fun remains a steadfast companion, waiting for us to return home, ready to unleash its wrath.

This is why, when folks ask about our future plans for a Disney trip, I can’t help but laugh hysterically. You couldn’t pay me to take these little monsters to Disney and back without some serious post-trip R&R, preferably on a beach somewhere like Kauai!

What Can Be Done About The Hangover From Fun?

I’m right there in the trenches with you, fellow parents. Here are some strategies I’ve employed to tackle this unwelcome buzzkill:

• Anticipate It: If you’re prepared for it, you’ll handle it better.
• Early Bedtimes: Get the kids to bed early during the week after returning.
• Prioritize Your Sleep: You’ll need all the rest you can get too!
• Embrace Humor: Remember, the vacation was fun! Capture those hilarious moments of The Hangover From Fun and share them with your partner for comic relief. This also serves as a heads-up that they’re heading home to a circus, and they might want to be extra nice to you.
• Plan Activities: Keep the kiddos distracted with fun projects or outdoor adventures.
• When All Else Fails: Pop in a movie, serve cereal for dinner, and pour yourself a glass of wine. This too shall pass!

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Summary:

Traveling with kids often leads to what many parents call The Hangover From Fun, a chaotic aftermath filled with tears and meltdowns, regardless of how well the trip went. This phenomenon isn’t just limited to vacations; it can occur after holidays and family visits, and sometimes even during the trip itself. While it may seem like a phase, it often persists for years. To manage the aftermath, preparation, humor, early bedtimes, and engaging activities can help parents survive the post-fun chaos.