Traveling with kids…

I happen to have a husband who isn’t always available to take us to places as a family like in all the fairy tales and bedtime stories. I’m used to it and had come to terms with this fact. I was used to traveling alone with my first. I’d take her here, there, I would take her anywhere! Then the other two came along. I felt like I couldn’t possibly go out anymore so outnumbered. I started small, venturing out to the grocery store mainly out of necessity. To be honest, it’s kind of a circus just going to the market. I can’t tell you how many times I get “wow! You you’re your hands full!!” remarks, not to mention all the looks. I realized recently, that if I don’t suck it up and take my circus with me, I’ll never go anywhere. It just depends how badly you want to get out of the house. Recently in a bout of bravery, I put on my big girl pants and I took them to Disneyland BY MY SELF. Yes. I know, I should be given some type of award, a plaque maybe. While I wait for my awards to roll in, here are a few tips I’ve compiled for you…

1. Think about it. DON’T talk to your spouse or anyone else sane about it because they will try to talk you out of it. Just let it stew in your brain for a bit. Try to imagine the worst tantrum in the middle of wherever it is your trying to go and visualize how you would diffuse this. If by the end of this meditation you’re still game, you’re ready to move to step 2
2. Find a day where you have nothing scheduled. No appointments. No playdates. Then pick a time. Just like a goal time cause I know it can take forever to get out of the house. If the place you’re going is farther than 45 min away then I would pick first nap time to travel. If the location is close, under 45 min I would pick right after breakfast. Okay, NOW tell your spouse when you’re going because you will need an emergency contact. And go ahead and tell one other back up person that won’t judge your sanity.
3. The night before, pack up the diaper bag. One change of clothes for each kid, diapers, wipes, ALLLLLLLL THE SNACKS YOU CAN CARRY. Take them all. But remember no one is helping you so you must be able to carry all of this yourself. So, like, pack everything but, be cool, don’t pack too much. The night before is also a good time to warn your spouse that this trip will not be cheap. If I have to buy a souvenir, a trinket, a toy or whatever candy or food that will make our time more pleasant, I WILL buy it.
4. Alright, day of! It would behoove you to keep your morning routine as familiar as possible. Feed them their usual breakfast and get pumped cause its go time! Get everyone dressed and load them up! Make sure you didn’t forget the diaper bag, the stroller, the carrier, your wallet (I forget this often), your phone, the keys, and anything else you might need for the day. Okay! A quick prayer to the heavens and you’re on your way!
5. When you arrive, have a plan. Do not leave it up to the circus to direct the show. You are the ring leader! They can sense chaos and they WILL take advantage of it. They will feed off of it like little zombie babies. Have a plan. Tell them. You don’t have anyone else to talk to! Tell them the plan so they know what to expect. Z is 2 and I tell her every step. I think it settles the tantrums because she knows on some level what’s coming up next. Or maybe it settles my panic. Either way there’s settling happening so just make a plan and tell them you have a plan.
6. Have fun! Take some pictures to document this phenomenon! Try to relax and enjoy the day. Diaper changes are going to arise, your crew will also get hungry. You can handle all of this.
7. Just like Kenny Rodgers, you have to know when to fold em’, know when to walk away, and know when to run! You know your kids and you know how much longer you have until meltdown. You can give them snacks / food or even candy to buy yourself some time but any lull might send them over board. Bee line for the exit when you feel that time coming to an end.
8. On the way home as the fall asleep in their car seats, bask in the glory of your strength! YOU DID IT! Think of all the stories you’ll tell! You can now casually bring it up at parties and rub it in everyone’s face. Remind your spouse any chance you have how much braver and stronger you are! Shine up that imaginary crown on your head! Girl, you deserve it!

That’s how I did it! You can do it too! Good Luck and Safe travels!