Drawn to Voyage

What would it look like to plan a solo trip with kids?

Is your first thought, “Oh my gosh, no way—too terrifying!” That’s okay; we can get past that. Or is your first thought, “I’m just not going to have any fun.” That’s fair. It really is easy to believe that taking a trip solo with your kids will be no fun for you as the parent, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little boost to your mindset and some strategic planning, you can have an enjoyable trip!

First, we need to prepare ourselves mentally.

Taking a trip solo with your kids will still mean you are going to be parenting. Yep—arguments, tantrums, and hangry kids will still be with you. How you deal with or anticipate those aspects is how you are going to make the trip enjoyable for yourself.

Usually, when kids argue or throw a fit, there is something else behind their emotions. I go through my checklist and try to keep myself calm:

How much water have they drunk today?
When was the last time they ate?
Have we taken a rest or break recently?
What are they disappointed about?

These might be questions you already go through on a regular basis; being on a trip is no different when it comes to our basic needs.

When my kids get disappointed, I try to remember that while this “thing” seems small to me, for them it’s a big deal and is creating big emotions. I want to respect and support them, which usually helps resolve the situation quicker for all of us. Yelling doesn’t help them regulate—it makes them feel unheard and brings up our blood pressure, so try to avoid it. Reminding myself that these moments are going to happen, and preparing myself for them, is what will make or break the trip.

I also mentally prepare myself for disappointments... which sounds depressing, but is actually just reality. If I prepare myself for some disappointments, I won’t be as sad when they happen.

Example: When JH was 4, I really thought he would want to go slow around Magic Kingdom and ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Instead, he only wanted to go on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad! I shouldn’t have been disappointed—it’s one of my favorites—but I thought we were going to do “little kid” things. Fast forward to when he was almost 8: we were at Magic Kingdom, and he asked to go on all the rides in Storybook Circus, including Dumbo! You never know what your kids will actually like. Disappointments can turn into wonderful memories because following your kids' desires can lead to core-memory making!

When you shift your mindset before you even zip up your bag, you take away the fear and open the door to a truly magical experience. It won't always go according to plan, but that’s where the core memories are made anyway! Stay tuned for my favorite practical guidelines to help set you and your kids up for the ultimate solo parent adventure—because you deserve to have an incredible vacation, too. Ready to start planning an adventure with your kids? Click here to connect with me!