I have teamed up with a wonderful team of bloggers who participate in “Five Minute Friday.” Here’s the skinny: Every Friday for nearly five years hundreds of people joined a kind of writing flash mob. We write for five minutes flat. All on the same prompt. No extreme editing; no worrying about perfect grammar, font, or punctuation. Unscripted. Unedited. Real.
Today’s word: Vacation.
In the past, I have had a knack for overestimating the fun that comes with family vacations. I tended to think a little Pinterest-y, set unrealistic expectations for my brood of three young children, and then was surprised when vacationing with children didn’t feel like a vacation at all. Someone please tell me I’m not alone here?
It was a trip to the beautiful state of Virginia that helped to clarify any ill-conceived notions of what it meant to take a family vacation. On that particular trip, where my 2 and 4-year old children were making their debut run as ring bearer and flower girl in a luxurious wedding at an expansive winery, my eyes were opened. My eyes were opened like they were being pried open with a hundred sharp pencil points and have not yet been able to close!
What I have learned is this: Vacationing with kids is not a vacation at all. We have taken to calling it “Going on a trip” instead of using the term vacation because we feel like it’s a better fitting description. Where as vacation seems to imply rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation, taking a trip merely means to leave one’s home in place for an alternate location.
Here are 5 quick tips I have learned from traveling with our family:
- Plan for trips that your kids will enjoy.
- Set realistic expectations.
- Know your family and how much their schedules matter; If nap times are sacred, keep them as such.
- Set a schedule, but allow for flexible freedoms throughout. You never know when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will appear.
- Document your trip and relive the memories through photos!
Photo Credit: April Walker
I don’t have littles anymore, but I certainly remember those days. My youngest is 15 now 🙂 Good job adjusting your expectations and have fun on your trip!
Please tell me it gets easier, mama!!! (Crossing fingers!) 🙂
Yes, I also have 3 kids. I am going to start referring to our love g distance adventures as going on a trip. Thank you for the tips about traveling with kids.
You’re most welcome! Good luck on your “trips!”
Long not love. Autocorrect is not my friend. ?
Hahaha! I knew what you meant 🙂 Auto correct is rarely my friend!
Enjoy your trip! I love the distinction between trip and vacation. I’m on a trip (visiting my grandson, daughter, and son-in-law). With a toddler around, it’s a trip and not a vacation!
Thanks so much – We’re having an absolute blast, but these days are anything but a vacation. That’s for sure!