Cousins' First Sleepover
Beach Trip Survival Guide (AKA Parenting in a Different Zip Code)
We spent a week at the beach with 6 adults and 3 kids (under the age of 5); it was fun, but really just parenting in a different location. Parenting is exhausting, as many of you know, and parenting while not at your normal home base can be a bit challenging. We all look forward to a vacation because it is a change of scenery, a change of pace, a change of routine, and just a break from the normal grind of life. The anticipation was most certainly dreamier than the actual reality of it all. Add kids into the mix, and you no longer have a vacation...but a trip! Actually, we took a family trip to the beach for a whole week.
It was the cousins' first sleepover, and I'd say they all had fun; not sure how much they will all remember because they are currently 4 years old, 14 months, and 8 months, but thank goodness for smartphones with cameras (and lots and lots of pictures were taken). But the adults will definitely remember. Of course, there were hiccups along the way, but there were memories made, and it for sure will not be the last family trip taken.
This was my first time traveling with both kids; the last time we went on a family trip, my oldest was the only child across the board. This time around, there were two new additions- my youngest and my niece, so there were many, many firsts to go around! From this experience came lessons learned and advice to my future self and others who have yet to embark on a family trip with kids. I want to think that I will do things differently the next time around, but I am not sure because all things are a blur and so vivid at the same time; I cannot quite decipher which is which. I have done my best with sharing below (as my memory allows).
For the car:
Snacks and more snacks
Kid Beverages
Games
Toys
Fully charged electronic devices (for kids and adults)
Car/portable chargers
Earphones/headphones (optional)
Appropriate bathroom/potty attire depending on kids' ages (diapers, wipes, pull ups, etc.)
Extra bag of sanity and patience
On location:
Planned activities or specified days of nothing planned
Planned days for the moms/adults to do activities without the kids (yes, even on trips, a break is needed)
Planned menu or rough idea of takeout options
More snacks
More games
More toys
As many things from home as possible to help ease being away for the kids and adults (pillows, sheets, blankets, soap, etc.)
All items from the car
Clothes
Extra clothes
Pjs
Extra pjs
Bonus list - for babies:
Pack 'n Play or portable bassinet
Extra clothes (we packed an extra outfit per day because you just never know)
Extra sleepwear and sheets (because, see above)
Sunscreen
Hat
Water cup
Bath time supplies (bonus points if it’s body wash and/or lotion for sleep so everyone can get some rest)
Bibs
Burp cloths
Bowls
Spoons
That's the list that my memory has allowed me to recall (and my sister's, as this was her first time traveling with her baby - my niece). I hope this helps, and if nothing else, I hope this made you laugh... just a little, and reminded you that even when you feel alone in motherhood, you're not.
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