Oh my, where do I even start. By now, we've taken the kiddos on a few trips and I've learned a few things along the way. Whether it's a short camping trip, traveling several hours to see family, or a trip half-way across the country, I've compiled some trips for you.
For the first trip I recommend a shorter practice type run. We chose to go on a camping trip about an hour away, that way worse case scenario home wasn't too far. If you're going camping, make sure you bring the basic sunscreen and bug repellent (they make some excellent deet free kind you can pick up at Sprouts, or natural type stores). You can buy kid sized camping chairs and even little head lamps that are fun for them at night. Try and get somewhere near the shade to get them out of the sun for a bit.
Traveling Tips:
1. Make a list of must haves for your childs specific needs (medicines, etc)
2. Snacks, LOTS OF SNACKS! This is important because hungry children in a car are never a good time.
3. A cooler full of drinks. People tend to get dehydrated on long trips so make sure to have water on hand.
4. You can save money by packing lunches to have along the way, and it saves time so you don't have to stop somewhere.
5. Run to the dollar store and grab some cheap toys that will be new to them and keep them entertained (we grabbed a little doodler and some other random toys).
6. My favorite item to have on hand is a cookie sheet for each child. Doesn't need to be anything special and is so useful! They can use it as a tray to eat their lunch on, hold coloring book and other toys. I bought my kids some magnets and they used them to cling on the cookie tray.
7. If your kids are potty training go on Amazon, they have potty chairs that you can use right in the car. They come with disposable bags. So if you're kids don't like gas station bathrooms, or you just can't make it to a place in time, these are very handy. https://www.amazon.com/Potette-Training-Toddler-Travel-Toilet/dp/B0187ZQWSI/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1522095554&sr=8-6&keywords=travel+potty+chair+for+toddler&dpID=61Bq5rLIKTL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
8. Of course there are always books and electronic devices for trips (but I keep the electronics for a last resort).
9. Plan out your route ahead of time, searching in the middle of the night for a place to stay is stressful. Know that it will always take longer when traveling with kids.
10. No matter what there will always be the unexpected. Try not to be in a rush and make the trip more of a memory.
11. If possible stop along the way at fun places to get out and stretch everyone's legs. We found every 4 hours or so worked best for our family.
Remember, depending on the age it can be hard on kids. To be on the safe side I would expect them to not be quite themselves when they get there (if it's been a long journey). They may be rambunctious when you finally arrive and guessing that their schedule is off don't expect them to be on their best behavior (especially if there are time changes). This is all new for them. My girls did great when we split up a 10 hour trip into two 5 hour days. Anything more then that and it was a little chaotic. Get me out of this seat mom!! If they aren't quite themselves I would say that's normal and just enjoy your time together.
Monday, March 26, 2018
The stress of being a parent
It is truly great being a mother. It's funny how you don't realize how incomplete your life is until you have children. Don't get me wrong, I loved my life and was very happy before. I was just unaware of how much greater life is with kids. Sure, it's challenging sometimes, but there is so much more love. Having tiny ones to take care of gives life much more meaning.
When you have a newborn, or two in my case, it feels like life gets flipped upside down-chaos. There is so much changing and it is a bit of a whirlwind. So much to do, so little sleep. It takes awhile to figure out what works best for you and to get into your rhythm. That first year truly was a bit of a blur looking back. It's tough being a new parent. Especially in these times. You have doctors/nurses telling you what you have to do, friends and family opinions. They all mean well. When you add in the internet it all becomes a bit overwhelming.
You just want to do what's best for your littles. I feel like there is almost too much information now a days. Everyone has strong opinions about everything and no matter what you do it seems someone else will think you are wrong. It's scary sometimes being responsible for another life. Everything has sever consequences of course too. You know if you feed them x,y,z it can lead to cancer or diabetes for them down the road. If you give x vaccine/don't give the vaccine it could be fatal. You can't just buy any old shampoo, vitamin, toy because it may have some dangerous material/ingredients. Trying to research through all that and make the best choice you can, knowing someone will say something, its a bit stressful. Just look at all the bashing over how you feed your kids, whether you breastfeed or use formula. We need to judge less and offer support more.
My point is, take it one day at a time. Enjoy this precious life. Most importantly, you are the mother, you are doing the best you can, and no matter what you choose, you are choosing what you think is best for your children. So don't feel bad for your decisions and don't question yourself. These are your kids and your life, no one else's. What works for them is great, but that doesn't mean you have to do things their way. Trust your judgment, do your thing, and enjoy your children. If it bothers people that much they can move along and out of our future. This is our life to live and as for me, I won't spend it on negative, judgy people.
When you have a newborn, or two in my case, it feels like life gets flipped upside down-chaos. There is so much changing and it is a bit of a whirlwind. So much to do, so little sleep. It takes awhile to figure out what works best for you and to get into your rhythm. That first year truly was a bit of a blur looking back. It's tough being a new parent. Especially in these times. You have doctors/nurses telling you what you have to do, friends and family opinions. They all mean well. When you add in the internet it all becomes a bit overwhelming.
You just want to do what's best for your littles. I feel like there is almost too much information now a days. Everyone has strong opinions about everything and no matter what you do it seems someone else will think you are wrong. It's scary sometimes being responsible for another life. Everything has sever consequences of course too. You know if you feed them x,y,z it can lead to cancer or diabetes for them down the road. If you give x vaccine/don't give the vaccine it could be fatal. You can't just buy any old shampoo, vitamin, toy because it may have some dangerous material/ingredients. Trying to research through all that and make the best choice you can, knowing someone will say something, its a bit stressful. Just look at all the bashing over how you feed your kids, whether you breastfeed or use formula. We need to judge less and offer support more.
My point is, take it one day at a time. Enjoy this precious life. Most importantly, you are the mother, you are doing the best you can, and no matter what you choose, you are choosing what you think is best for your children. So don't feel bad for your decisions and don't question yourself. These are your kids and your life, no one else's. What works for them is great, but that doesn't mean you have to do things their way. Trust your judgment, do your thing, and enjoy your children. If it bothers people that much they can move along and out of our future. This is our life to live and as for me, I won't spend it on negative, judgy people.
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