7 Principles for a (mostly) guilt-free vacation
Everything is set for you to leave on your vacation and yet. And yet. And yet you still seem to find time to feel guilty about taking a break from it all and getting away with your family. Maybe you’re concerned about what will happen at the office during your absence, possibly you’ve got a few projects on hold until you get back and they are still moving around in your mind. Despite the respite, your guilt-o-meter is spiking as you ponder the “what ifs” and the “woulda coulda shoulda’s” of the world you are leaving behind as you walk out the door. You’re not abandoning your life, you’re just taking a vacation. So why the guilt? Why the worry? Who knows why, and really does it matter? Hell to the NO!
We’re suggesting that in addition to packing enough underwear and sunscreen, you also pack a few tools that will help you decrease the guilt-o-meter when it starts acting up. Thankfully these tools won’t take up room in your luggage and you won’t have to deal with a surcharge if you overpack them.
In our book, Mommy Guilt: Learn to worry less, focus on what matters most, and raise happier kids, we offer up 7 principles for alleviating the parental angst in your life, and we think, with some adjustments, these same 7 principles will travel well.
Whether you are concerned about leaving work undone at the office or you are worried about a disaster du jour your family may experience on your trip, we encourage you to keep these seven principles tucked firmly in your beach bag and apply them as often as you like. In fact, feel free to reapply them right along with your sunscreen; each of them offers their own level of protection to prevent anyone from becoming burned and unhappy on the beach.
You must be willing to let some things go. Vacation is a time to let your hair down and let loose. Don’t be afraid to re-think the rules .What is a priority at home, may not be a priority on vacation.
Parenting is not a competitive sport. Do your best to keep the vacation just that, a vacation. Whether you are a family or four or a single parent, avoid using vacations as time to “show off” your kids. Even if you are traveling with grandparents, your kids probably don’t want to spend their vacation on display or being asked to perform.
Look toward the future and at the big picture. Don’t become overly hung up in the here and now. Don’t let a rainy day, crabby kid or an illness tank your trip.
Learn when and how to live in the moment. No one is better at this than a kid! Follow your child’s lead and live in the moment! Try the trapeze, put on a bathing suit, get in the water and play, eat dessert for dinner. Think fun!
Get used to saying yes more often and being able to defend your no. Vacation can be a great time to try new things. Think and act a little outside your comfort zone.
Laugh a lot, especially with your children. Don’t be afraid to be silly. You’re surrounded by people who don’t know your serious, work-a-holic side – why should they ever see it?
Make sure you set aside specific time to have fun as a family. Having vacation activities for everyone is awesome; however, keep in mind when everyone scatters it’s good to regroup from time to time and create family memories of the trip.
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