Traveling with kids isn’t a vacation—it’s an adventure with snacks. In this episode, we trade the glossy reels for real-life rhythms: the “loaf of bread” baby who snoozes through flights, the squirrely toddler who doesn’t, and the car-trip rules that keep everyone safer (and saner).
We dig into choosing your trip’s purpose on purpose. Is your goal character-building memories or maximum kid joy? That single choice clarifies everything from schedules to expectations. You’ll hear our tips for staying sane with your spouse (“same team” energy), how humor and narrating out loud regulate everyone’s nervous system, and the small logistics that buy big peace. Plus our hottest tip: pack a “Colleen Bag.” Tune in to find out what that golden nugget is.
In Today’s episode
Real trips, real talk: Chicago with a mobile toddler, solo-parent flights, and a 9-hour red-eye with an 8-month-old (yes, the scream happened—and the flight still ended).
Mindset reframe: Hard ≠ bad. Travel builds resilience for you and your kids. You get to choose what that looks like.
Model it out loud: Simple narration scripts to teach coping to your kids (“This is hard, and it will build character that I want”).
Partnership on purpose: A pre-travel “same team” pact or safe word to cut the snippy spirals.
Environment hacks that buy margin: Right hotel/floor, monitor-to-patio range for post-bedtime connection, and when public transit beats parking + car seats.
Block out the noise: Parent for your child, not the crowd—other people’s opinions don’t ride home with you.
Empower the kid: Make them a teammate with clear roles that unite you instead of frustrating you.
Things We Love + Links
Book 1:1 coaching with Hannah, Meredith, Holly, or Anna—schedule directly on the site.
👟 Sponsor: Pediped — use code MOMREADY for 20% off your first order at pediped.com.
Inspo from two of our favorite women—Helen Keller and Sara Blakely.
Subscribe to Get Mom Ready for Sunday-night episode drops + resources: getmomready.com
Join the paid community for guides and group coaching (Meredith’s Wellness Guide, Holly’s Pumping Guide, Hannah’s Principled Living, Anna’s Marriage-in-Parenting toolkit).
Practical Reflection Questions
What’s one mindset reframe I can borrow this week?
Which two hacks from this episode would help us most on our next trip?
Where can I reduce friction (hotel choice, transit, packing) to create one pocket of connection?
What narration line will I practice with my kid to model regulation?
What’s our couple safe word or pre-trip agreement to keep us united?
What goes in our version of the Colleen Bag (name 3 items)?
Where am I parenting for the crowd instead of for my child—and how will I block out the noise?
