A Stressed Parent’s Guide to Actually Enjoying A Family Holiday

Let’s be real – sometimes we’re so banjaxed by the daily grind that even the thought of organising a family holiday feels overwhelming. If you’re running on empty and wondering how you’ll cope with 24/7 family time, this guide is for you.

First, Give Yourself Permission

Before anything else, know this:

• It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed
• Being stressed doesn’t make you a bad parent
• You don’t need to create the ‘perfect’ holiday
• It’s okay to need breaks from your children
• Your mental health matters too

Managing Your Own Stress Levels

Start with these sanity-savers:

• Book accommodation with separate sleeping areas if possible
• Consider holiday parks with kids’ clubs – they’re not a cop-out, they’re a lifeline
• Look for places with easy food options nearby
• Choose locations where the kids can safely burn energy
• Pick somewhere that works for YOU, not just the children

Practical Stress Busters

These little changes can make a big difference:

• Arrange a food shop delivery for when you arrive
• Book restaurants in advance to avoid hangry meltdowns (yours and theirs)
• Pack easy activities like card games and colouring books
• Bring headphones for everyone – sometimes quiet time is essential
• Choose accommodation with Netflix/streaming for inevitable downtime

When It All Gets Too Much

Having an escape plan helps:

• Tag-team with your partner for solo walks or coffee breaks
• Set up quiet time after lunch where everyone does their own thing
• Use bathroom breaks as mini meditation moments
• Keep some emergency chocolate in your bag (for you, not them)
• Have simple backup activities ready for stress peaks

Dealing with Constant Demands

Tips for maintaining your patience:

• Set up activity stations that don’t need constant supervision
• Use audiobooks or podcasts for quiet time
• Establish a loose routine to prevent constant “what’s next?”
• Plan independent play times into each day
• Remember that screens aren’t evil – sometimes they’re survival tools

Looking After Your Wellbeing

Essential self-care strategies:

• Wake up 30 minutes before the kids for peaceful coffee
• Keep up any stress-relieving practices from home
• Bring a good book or download favourite shows
• Pack your own treats, not just kid snacks
• Plan at least one activity daily that YOU enjoy

When Tensions Rise

For those moments when everyone’s getting fractious:

• Change the scene – even just moving to another room can help
• Get outside – fresh air helps reset everyone’s mood
• Have a dance party – it’s hard to stay stressed while dancing
• Break out emergency activities (new small toys/games)
• Remember this phase will pass

Managing Family Dynamics

Strategies for smoother sailing:

• Split up occasionally – not everyone needs to do everything together
• Create quiet zones where anyone can take a breather
• Use reward charts for good behaviour if that works for your family
• Have signal words for when anyone needs space
• Plan some one-on-one time with each child

Avoiding Burnout

Prevent total exhaustion:

• Don’t feel guilty about using holiday clubs or activities
• Skip the tourist traps if they’ll cause more stress
• Choose easy meal options sometimes
• Say no to activities that feel overwhelming
• Listen to your gut about what you can handle

Coming Home Less Stressed

End your break well:

• Book an extra day off work if possible
• Plan an easy first day back
• Order a food shop delivery for your return
• Don’t schedule anything major for the first few days home
• Keep some holiday treats for the transition period

Remember This Truth

The most important thing isn’t what you do on holiday, it’s how you feel:

• Happy parents generally mean happy children
• Your children won’t remember every activity, but they’ll remember feeling loved
• Sometimes doing less actually means enjoying more
• It’s quality of time, not quantity of activities that counts
• You’re doing better than you think you are

Final Thoughts

Holiday stress is real, and it’s okay to find family time challenging. Focus on what helps you feel calmer and more centered – because when you’re looking after yourself, you’re better able to look after everyone else too.

How do you manage stress during family holidays? Share your survival tips with other parents below!