Have you ever heard a parent say: “Vacations with kids is the same usual madness, just in a different place”
Maybe that sounds a bit cynical but no matter how you look at it: Vacations will be different with kids than they were before you had kids.
The little ones still wake up bright and early, full of energy, no matter where you are. They’ll still want to eat their favorite meals, might not have the patience for restaurant waits, and may not find anything special about a new place—unless it has a playground. And walking? Sure, but probably just for a few minutes. So yes, you’ll still be feeding them, keeping them entertained, and making sure they’re safe.
It’s not quite the break you might have been dreaming of. In fact, it can feel quite the opposite.
Health coach and mom-of-two Annie Xystouris, has been there! She’ll share some tips on what you can do to still have a joyful vacation experience.
After years of coaching, therapy, and personal growth, Annie’s true turning point came after the birth of her second child, when she recognized how overwhelmed she still felt. Only after acknowledging how much her need for control and perfection was consuming her, did she transform into a more balanced person—and now helps other moms make this change for themselves in order to feel more calm and fulfilled and avoid burnout.
What You Can Do
While we can’t completely change how exhausting full-time parenting can be on holiday, here are a few tips that might help make things a bit smoother:
Embrace the chaos: It can be helpful to accept that if things are chaotic at home, they’ll likely be similar on holiday. And that’s perfectly okay.
Limit phone time: You might find it refreshing to set your phone aside for a while. It’s nice to stay in the moment and not feel the pull of notifications, the need to scroll, etc.
Avoid social media comparisons: Remember, those picture-perfect holiday photos you see online often don’t tell the whole story. Every family has their difficult moments.
Let go of expectations: We suggest sticking to your usual routines where you can, but also being open to flexibility. Maybe the kids will have a bit more ice cream or stay up later than usual. And that’s okay, too.
Do what you love (in small ways): Think about the things you used to enjoy on holiday before kids and find small ways to bring them back. Whether it’s snapping a few photos or taking a quiet moment with a book, those little things can bring a lot of joy.
Stick to your non-negotiables: Consider what helps you feel your best and see if you can keep those habits going. Whether it’s staying hydrated, getting enough hours of sleep, eating healthy, or moving a bit each day, these small steps can make a difference.
Holidays with small kids might not be the traditional break we imagine, but they can offer a chance to let go of the need for perfection and find joy in the little moments.
Wishing you a lovely holiday!
Thanks Annie!
Learn more about Annie and her health coaching programs.
