Menu: Parenting
Family Getaway vs. Genuine Retreat
by Jamie Carter
Updated: Dec. 1, 2023
Originally Published: March 14, 2016
We’re embarking on a getaway! I hesitate to refer to it as a vacation since my little one is coming along. Yes, I’ll be taking a week off from my job, and yes, we’ll be at the shore. However, the likelihood of enjoying any real relaxation is slim, as “chill” is not exactly my child’s forte.
In fact, my kid’s middle name could very well be “GET DOWN FROM THERE! YOU’RE GOING TO HURT YOURSELF!” Normally, during a vacation, I’d indulge in plenty of sleeping in, reading, sipping drinks, and savoring meals. But with a toddler along, traditional vacation activities become either unfeasible or unrecognizable.
Here’s a rundown of ways I suspect our family getaway won’t resemble a true vacation:
- Reading
My partner and I made some last-minute book orders online. I could almost hear my computer chuckling at my naivety. The chances of us lounging on the beach with a book are about 8 million to one. I’m betting the most reading I’ll do involves GPS directions and stories about trains. - Sleeping
This time, my computer isn’t the one laughing; it’s my son. He’s locked into a 6:30 a.m. wake-up schedule, regardless of the day or whether he’s in a cozy hotel room or a sci-fi space pod. His internal clock doesn’t recognize vacations, and honestly, why should it? For him, every day is a holiday. - Relaxing
Currently, my son’s top hobbies include ignoring us and being hyperactive. Mix those together with his ability to talk back yet still exhibit toddler-level foolishness, like spinning in circles on a busy street, and relaxation is nowhere in sight. - Drinking
Oh, there will definitely be drinking—plenty of it. Most of it will be crammed into that precious three-hour window after he finally falls asleep and before we collapse ourselves, but it will happen. - Miscellaneous
What else do people typically do on vacation? Catch a movie? Toddler. Dine out? Toddler. Enjoy intimate moments? Toddler. Mini-golf? That might actually be feasible, though “play” might be a stretch.
I’m not implying that we won’t have a good time. We will! I’m genuinely looking forward to it. Yet, it’s a different experience compared to a child-free vacation. At least I’ll emerge less hungover.
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Summary
Planning a family getaway with a toddler can transform the experience of a vacation into something quite different. While the chance for relaxation, reading, and sleeping in diminishes significantly, the potential for fun and adventure remains high.
Keyphrase: Family getaway vs genuine retreat
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