The Holiday Mishaps

Its hard being a parent packing for a fun packed holiday with the kids. Don’t forget the swimsuits, the googles, the suncream, the moisturizers, the toothbrush, the comfortable pjs…and it doesn’t matter where you’re traveling as you basically need it all. You want your children to be happy and comfortable so you can try your hand at a few days of calm quiet too.

Loving our kids and those pre-teens is hard work and we all need some time off to chill too. Its not all about the kids - is it?

So to keep your kids and teens safe and happy during their summer holidays here is my quick guide to how to pack for the holidays based on all the mistakes I made as I was busy with work until 4 hours prior to our flight.

1. Let them pack

I know they’ll make a mess and it will likely take longer but I tend to ask my son and tween daughter to pick out the outfits they want and the pajamas they prefer. I set the number of outfits needed and they simply have to lay it out on their beds - I’ll do the rest.

This way I ensure they’ve picked out the clothes they will actually wear - not the beautifully cute outfits I have spent a fortune on. Teens and tweens are a difficult beast to tame and this way you are empowering them to decide and there is a little less blame for you.

2. Pack a silk pillowcase

Who needs silk - we all do. Silk pillow cases will protect your and your children’s skin from micro abrasions from rough overly washed and bleached cotton linen in the hotels. I appreciate it seems extreme to pack silk for a holiday but as I’m sure your children will be spending much of their time outdoors there skin will be much more sensitive even with great sun protection.

The silk fibers are gentle on the skin and hair and reduce break outs, blemishes, hair loss, and irritation.

3. The minibar magic - and I don’t mean the alcohol.

The moisturiser is the key to all wellbeing - leave on in the minibar fridge in case your child gets a sun burn, bite or eczema/dermatitis flare up. The cool moisturiser will calm the irritation and need to itch. Also a great hack is using a cold can of coke on the itchy, red and irritated skin to reduce the need to itch, allow from quicker healing and less chance of an infection on holiday.

I hope you have a great break with your family to reconnect and build in more unity in a world always looking for division.