Traveling With Kids
This past September, we took our first vacation as a family of four. Overall, I’d have to say the trip was fabulous. The 3 other couples we went with also had little ones, so I didn’t have to feel guilty about needing to do dinner by 6pm at the latest, needing the house to be quiet for naps in the afternoon, and the fact that it looked like a toy store vomited in the living room of the house..because they all needed the same things too.
Vacationing with children is definitely intense. The relaxation factor does go down but the fun factor goes up because you get to see their reactions to everything you’re doing and you know you are making memories for them. The planning, prepping, and packing of everything more than doubles and there is anxiety that goes with the excitement the night before you leave…mainly in hopes that you don’t forget anything, nobody gets sick, starts to cut a tooth, or refuses to nap in the car.
The actual act of traveling to your destination whether it be by car or plane is a whole ordeal that takes planning and preparation in itself. I remember worrying about having enough reading material to keep myself occupied for the ride before I had children. If you’re traveling with kids, forget relaxing with your ipod , magazine, or book. In fact, don’t even bring them. Your ride will consist of handing out snacks, breaking up fights, pouring drinks in a moving vehicle, reading Brown Bear multiple times, cleaning up messes, wiping off little hands and faces, and doing whatever else you have in your power to keep your children’s minds off the fact that they are sick of the car and still have a long way to go. Your stops for meals will be at Burger King and McDonald’s , not because you actually want to eat there , but because they have the play lands where your kids can run around like lunatics and burn off some energy before they have to get back in the car.
While planning activities on vacation you also have to factor in naps. My children are somewhat flexible, but an afternoon nap is still a must if we want to enjoy our evening…which brings me to bed time. My children don’t do well staying up late and need to be in bed at a decent hour. This is difficult if we are in a hotel room because then I’m confined to my room and basically going to bed myself by 8pm. If your kids are anything like mine, I’d highly recommend an adjoining room, a room with a terrace, or a condo/vacation type of house. This can be do able if you’re traveling with another family and the cost can be split. Basically, anywhere that has a room or space for the kids to nap or go to bed while the adults can still stay up and enjoy the evening is a great option.
Overall, it was really nice to get away and take a break from day to day life….even if I had to somewhat keep the daily routines going for my kids. I really needed this vacation and I think my husband and kids did too.
While Erin is still learning how to multitask and juggle two children, she is proud to say that she is proficient in toddler lingo, has mastered the swaddle and has learned how to function on four hours of sleep. Follow Erin as she writes about her struggles with trying to find balance in her own life. You can also find Erin writing at her own blog, Emommyhood.
