It’s day 20 of our amazing Costa Rican adventure. Well, it’s been less adventure, more relaxing really. We have settled into a rhythm of surfing, swimming, exploring town, meeting new people and straight up chilling:)
Our trip has also been an incredible bonding experience and I feel so much closer to my kids and my husband. Spending this much “quality” time together has made me realize the kind of parent I wish to be! Parenting is such a journey and like they say, it never get’s easier. Yes, my girls are older now and can swim with minimal supervision, make their own snacks and read to pass the time. But they still have needs like being heard (like really heard), dealing with what’s right and wrong, building confidence and teaching them how to love each other and everything around them.
One thing I had set out to do on this vacation was to connect with each of my girls on a deeper level and be the most patient, calm version of me that doesn’t always show up back in the city. I dreamed of how I would listen to their every word, give out wisdom and great advice when they needed it, shower undivided love and attention on us of them and never raise my voice.
I’m sure I’m not the only parent who imagined this dreamy vacation scenario?!
Like any habit, change is hard! It doesn’t happen overnight and it takes effort and consistency to create a lasting change. Simply wanting something or dreaming about it does not mean change. You need to make a plan, take the small steps, make mistakes and keep at it day in and day out until finally…change happens!
I preach this all the time with diet and exercise and parenting is no different.
So yes, I’ve had more time to give to my kids, and yes, I’ve been more patient. For this post, I want to share some travel tips to make you a calmer parent and to ensure that the drama stays out of the vacation and everybody enjoys each other’s company!
GO WITH THE FLOW– I thrive with an agenda, everyone who knows me knows that I like to know how the day/week is going to go. It brings me comfort to know what to expect and with a plan, I feel less scattered and more organized. But as we all know , travel with kids means you can guarantee that plans don’t always go as planned! Let go of the need to control every moment and relax when your 6 yr old needs to go back to the beach as she lost her shell necklace.
COMMUNICATE- Communicate doesn’t just mean talk to each other…it means really listening to each other as well! When my girls are talking to me, my phone is away and I give them my undivided attention. I also try to hear them out when they have a argument (my ususal response is “Work it out”) and I have also been encourage their story telling. Communicating is a real and genuine way to make everybody feel heard and with that, everyone feels loved.
SLOW DOWN AND DO LESS– Your trip is meant to be relaxing and filled with boring moments…really! I struggle with this as I like to be on the go at all times and can feel anxious in idle time. My days here in Costa Rica are so relaxing and took me at least a week to settle into. My girls as well like to stay on the move so it’s been a learning experience together. Don’t pack your days with outings, allow yourself to be bored. That’s when the creative mind wakens up and you get to know yourself and your kids a little better:)
We still have 1 week left of this magical, relaxing, chilled out Costa Rican adventure and I plan on using my time wisely … reading, surfing, eating fresh foods and a whole lot of chill time with my family.
