When it comes to family vacations, the idea is that as kids grow older, the experience becomes smoother. However, after my latest trip with my older children, I’m starting to think that might just be a myth. Perhaps those who say it gets easier have no kids, just furry companions they board while sipping cocktails on the sand.
Sure, traveling with older kids offers some perks. I recently embarked on my first significant getaway in nearly five years, and I rejoiced at the thought of not packing an avalanche of baby gear—no more baby food, toys, or bulk diapers taking up precious trunk space. Plus, the days of nap schedules interrupting our fun are long gone. But don’t let my initial excitement fool you; vacationing with older children comes with its own set of frustrations. Here’s a rundown of what I discovered:
1. Packing with a Tween: A Dickensian Nightmare
I was initially thrilled when my tween son insisted on packing for himself. How convenient! But soon, I realized he possesses my spouse’s fashion sense—or lack thereof. Suggesting he wear that stylish beach shirt I bought for him is met with the kind of resistance you’d expect from a character in a dystopian novel. It seems that expressing personal style is now a battle, and I’m left wishing for the days when I could dress them in whatever I wanted without protest.
2. The Concept of Time Is Lost on Them
Long car rides have turned into an exercise in patience. Gone are the days when I could distract them with “two cartoons and a snack” as a time estimate. Now, they can calculate that we’re still two hours away and still ask “Are we there yet?” five minutes after leaving home. They’ve also mastered the art of exhausting their electronic devices, leaving us with less entertainment for the journey. And let’s not even talk about how the lack of naps comes back to haunt me in the form of cranky pre-teens.
3. Vacation Plans Are All About Them
It seems older kids have very specific ideas about how each minute of the trip should unfold. While they aren’t contributing financially, they have no qualms about crafting an ambitious itinerary filled with activities like renting jet skis and dolphin watching. When Mom suggests a quick stop at the gift shop or Dad has a tee time, it’s like we’ve just crushed their dreams. The days of strapping them in a stroller and dictating where we go are long gone.
4. Family Photos? Not Happening
The only photos deemed acceptable by older kids are selfies. Attempting to capture a family moment in front of a landmark is met with eye rolls and complaints of embarrassment. I mean, what’s wrong with wanting to document our adventures? I wanted to create memories, not just a digital gallery full of their duck-faced selfies. At this rate, I might as well just take pictures of the sand and sea.
5. Sandcastle Building Is So Yesterday
While they claim they want to play in the sand, I often find myself digging alone as they frolic in the waves with their trendy uncle, who doesn’t yet have the joys of parenthood. I can’t help but feel like a lone warrior in a sand pit, while my kids create the memories I wish to capture. That one vacation photo that I’m in? Well, that’s the one time they reluctantly agreed to let me snap a picture.
So, is vacationing with teenagers any easier? I have my doubts. Maybe I should just consider boarding them next time, like I would a pet.
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In summary, vacationing with older kids can be a mixed bag of excitement and frustration. While there are undeniable perks, the challenges can leave you longing for the days of simpler family trips.
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