As a parent, I’ve discovered that managing expectations is key. Those monumental moments I anticipated—childbirth, family holidays, and birthday bashes—often turned out to be major disappointments. Yet, the smaller pleasures, like spontaneous family bike rides, sneaky ice cream on a school night, or a cozy breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day, have been nothing short of spectacular.
Here’s my tip: to dodge disappointment, keep your expectations low—really low. As the saying goes, if something can go wrong, it probably will. And just when you think it can’t get any worse, it often does. I was reminded of this on a recent family getaway when my younger son endured a relentless four-day battle with the stomach flu, complete with all the delightful side effects and even a trip to the ER. This is the essence of traveling with kids: if it can go awry, expect it—better yet, plan for it—to save yourself from frustration.
- Your child will likely develop an illness on departure day, often one that involves vomiting or requires a trip to the pharmacy—or both!
- Flights will inevitably face delays, your luggage may vanish, and the last minivan at the rental car place will mysteriously be gone.
- The supposedly “family-friendly” resort will be swarming with hyperactive kids and weary parents, resulting in a decidedly unfriendly atmosphere.
- If you head to a warm destination, brace yourself for an unexpected chill in the weather, while back home, a heat wave will be in full swing.
- You will forget to bring your child’s beloved blankie or comfort item, which can lead to tears and tantrums.
- Just as one child recovers from their illness, another will surely catch it. Rinse and repeat until you return home, where you will promptly fall ill.
- The kids’ meals at the hotel restaurant will shockingly cost more than a romantic dinner back home—while those couple of cocktails will rival your monthly mortgage payment.
- You’ll find yourself making multiple trips to the nearest Walmart or Target for all the essentials you forgot to pack.
- The kids will rise at the crack of dawn—every single day.
- Upon returning home, you’ll have to pry your kids out of bed for school, tackle mountains of laundry, face a credit card bill that’s larger than the GDP of a small nation, sift through thousands of unread emails, clear a full voicemail inbox, and most likely, catch the very bug your kids had—with no vacation time left for recovery.
And that, dear friends, is why it’s known as traveling with kids, not a vacation. For more insights on navigating parenthood, check out this informative post on our blog. Also, if you’re exploring your fertility journey, this guide provides valuable information. Lastly, for those interested in pregnancy and home insemination resources, this podcast is a fantastic listen.
In summary, family travel often leads to an array of unexpected challenges. Low expectations can help mitigate disappointment, ensuring that you cherish the little moments amidst the chaos.