Adult Getaways

It doesn’t escape me that I run a travel blog relating to Autism.. and I’ve made two consecutive trips WITHOUT the child with Autism!

I’ve gone to Disney TWICE without children in the last 3 months! The first was back in February (and I traveled there solo) and the second was just recently with my Mom and Aunt Bonnie. My Aunt has been to Disney many times.. but this was my Mom’s first trip back since 1978!

So why do I take trips like this sans family?! Because GETTING AWAY IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH. Do I stress about all the details while I’m gone?! Absolutely! I enlist help, I make check list, I set out all the kids clothes for the week, and pre-pack lunches! But ultimately, life does go on without me being there. It might not run QUITE as smoothly.. but it does go on and everyone gets where they need to be.

Which brings me to my next point- let your spouse or family step up and do hard things. As a parent to a child with special needs, it can be exhausting. But it’s especially exhausting if your trying to go it alone. They will get better with practice.. and you will feel more and more comfortable getting away when you need a recharge! Remember that saying “It takes a village…”? It’s accurate. It truly takes a village!

I understand that Disney may not be your destination of choice.. especially for an adult trip! It’s far away, it can be expensive, and overall it just may not be feasible for you. But find a place.. even if it’s just a 1-night hotel stay in your hometown.. and get away! Eat a meal alone, sleep in, peruse a store solo- just enjoy not being NEEDED for a moment. It’s important.. and trust me, it will make you a better parent!

My husband traveled for work this week. And truthfully, it’s the longest he’s been gone since before the pandemic! It was a doozy. I wasn’t at my best. I yelled and bickered with the kids, lost my temper many times, and might have taught our youngest to say damnit. It wasn’t pretty. My husband may of been traveling for work.. but he returned more refreshed and ready to take on the kids as soon as he walked in the door!

We’ll all get back into our pre-pandemic routines.. it’ll just take time to do so! I got used to having all the help.. and I will slowly adjust to not having as much help while he is gone. But I’m thankful we both take opportunities to get away and recharge! Make sure you do the same for yourself!