There’s nothing quite like the chaos of being 3,000 miles from home, feeling frazzled and jet-lagged, while trying to corral two energetic kids who are in full meltdown mode. That’s exactly the delightful predicament I found myself in this past week during our “vacation” in sunny California, visiting friends and family. It took nearly a week for my two-year-old to adjust to the new time zone, leading to a series of whiny breakdowns every morning and night. Meanwhile, my picky eight-year-old has survived solely on cereal and chips. Ah, the joys of family travel!
Every morning, as we make our way to the continental breakfast, the kids are in full debate mode. They argue over everything: “Stop touching me!” “That’s my chair!” “But you promised we could have chocolate for breakfast!” My eight-year-old insists that California milk tastes vastly different from New York milk, while my two-year-old declares the pancakes just aren’t round enough.
And they are LOUD. Seriously loud. They keep chattering in their high-pitched, squeaky voices, climbing on chairs, crawling under tables, and turning their toast and waffles into royal kingdoms. Heads turn. A woman across the room eyes us with a scowl. One child has strawberry jam smeared on his face, while the other has his hand…well, you get the picture. We try to shush them, and they sorta listen, but let’s be real—there’s no denying they’re acting completely wild.
Back when I was a new mom, those judgmental glances would have hit me hard. I would have internally berated myself, convinced I was the only one with kids who seemed to be auditioning for a circus act.
“Why are my kids the loudest in here?” I’d wonder, comparing them to the serene family next to us, where even the baby was calmly enjoying some green mush. Why couldn’t my kids just follow basic rules? Apparently, they missed the memo that chairs are for sitting and spoons are for eating.
While other parents have likely read the latest parenting books and tried sticker charts, I found myself grappling with my wild little ones without a solid plan. I’ll admit, I had those familiar thoughts during our vacation, feeling exposed with my cranky kids. It’s like being back in middle school—your cheeks flush, your heart races, and all you want to do is hide in a bathroom stall.
But here’s the silver lining: you’re not alone in this parenting adventure. And neither am I.
It’s easy to feel isolated when your kids are throwing a fit in public, but remember, every parent has those moments. Your kids aren’t the only ones wailing in public, even if you’ve done everything to set them up for success. You’re not the only parents whose kids seem to take “spirited” behavior to the next level—whether it’s dancing on tables or singing at the top of their lungs at 7 a.m.
The truth is, what the world sees in those chaotic moments is just a snapshot. It’s amplified by stress and noise. Kids are meant to be wild, messy, and occasionally obnoxious! It’s perfectly normal for them to struggle with transitions and test boundaries—it’s a sign of their trust and love.
Those rambunctious kiddos are likely the ones who will surprise you with their creativity and intelligence. They may be the same ones who come up with elaborate dance routines at 5 a.m. while you’re trying to catch a few more minutes of sleep.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and like you’re losing control, just know that you’re not alone. Someone else, maybe even me, is feeling the same way at that very moment.
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So, to all my fellow parents out there: your kids rock—even when they’re being little tornadoes. You’re doing just fine.