How to “Vacation” with young kids

Vacationing with young kids isn’t a restful event for any parent. It’s more like a recreational activity paired with big emotions, tons of snack time, and a lot of laughs, even if they are in response to the chaos surrounding you. It doesn’t mean family “vacations” aren’t enjoyable or that you don’t make awesome memories; it just shouldn’t be characterized as a “vacation,” as defined by dictionary.com.

Vacation – 1. A period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday:

Recreation and travel, yes. Rest, no.

The first time you vacation with kids, it’s like an Olympic event. An incredible amount of anticipation and preparation goes into it, and the pomp and circumstance upon arrival is circus-like. And the outcome, although it may lean one way or another prior, is a toss-up until the actual games begin.

The physical demands can be out of this world. If you’re planning a beach vacation, get ready for lots of pushing, pulling, stacking, and sorting of items, and potty breaks or blowouts that mean running back to the rental unit with a kid tossed over your shoulder or in a football hold, all while everyone and everything is covered in sand.

So, here are a couple of tips from a mom who definitely doesn’t have all the answers, but has “vacationed” with one child, two children, and two children while in the 3rd trimester with a third in the middle of the summer. In my beached-whale era in that last one, for sure.

1.    Pack Snacks – Naturally, the kids and you will be off your regular schedules. Keeping the kids on track when it comes to mealtime can be tricky, depending on the day’s events. With the right snacks on hand, you don’t have to feel so much pressure or guilt about kids snacking instead of finishing a full meal. It might also help avoid meltdowns or the all-comical public temper tantrum.

2.    Include the Kids – In the days leading up to vacation, have the kids help pack or get things together in preparation. If it creates more of a hassle when you’ve already hit your breaking point, do something simple like counting the number of sleeps until your family leaves for vacation. A countdown is a great way to include your children, who might be unable to prepare for the vacation, while allowing you to keep your organizational sanity.

3.    Do Your Homework – Learn as much as you can about your destination before going. Knowing the right places to eat, shop, and venture out to can help alleviate the stressors that come with staying in a home away from home. It’s also a great way to break things up for your kids when they hit you with the ever-anticipated question, “What can I (we) do now?”

4.    Take a Breath – Although it may not feel like a vacation, it technically is a vacation, and you should try to treat it that way. Things will get crazy because they always do with kids, but they will also be amazing too. Remind yourself that you’re creating memories and spending time with your children, who will not be little forever. So, take that breath even when things might not go as planned because sometimes those unplanned days turn into the best memories made.