We Took Our Kids on Vacation with Extended Family—Here’s What No One Tells You About the Rollercoaster Ride

Posted on 22 July 2025 by Elena Moreno — 4 min

Taking a vacation with your kids is supposed to be relaxing, right? Well, throw extended family into the mix, and suddenly, it’s a whole different ballgame. I recently read a heartfelt piece from Business Insider titled We took our 2 kids on vacation with extended family. There were tense moments, but beautiful times, too., and it totally hit home.

If you’ve ever thought about the magic—and mayhem—that comes with traveling alongside your in-laws and relatives, you know exactly what I mean. The article’s author describes the initial tension and struggle to unwind, followed by those sweet moments that make it all worthwhile. Can you relate?

Why Is Vacationing with Extended Family So Tricky?

When you bring together different parenting styles, personalities, and expectations, things can feel like walking a tightrope. Suddenly, you’re juggling your kids' needs while navigating subtle (or not-so-subtle) critiques, contrasting routines, and the challenge of finding your own space in a crowded household.

I've been there myself, and honestly, it can feel a little overwhelming. But there’s also something deeply special about sharing those moments with people who love you, even if their way of showing it isn't always what you're used to.

The Tense Moments: Expect Them, But Don’t Fear Them

Differing Parenting Styles: Maybe your family relies on digital devices for quiet time, while your in-laws prefer old-school board games. These small differences can spark unexpected tension.
Pressure to ‘Perform’: When you’re surrounded by family, you might feel judged or like you have to stick to the “perfect parent” script.
Logistics Nightmares: Trying to coordinate meals, naps, and outings with a bigger group is no small feat.

But here’s a secret: these moments, as trying as they are, often open the door to growth and deeper understanding if you give them space.

The Beautiful Moments: Why They Make It Worthwhile

Remember the quiet laughter when your kids play with cousins they rarely see? Or when someone unexpectedly offers to help with bedtime? It’s these tiny gifts that become family legends.

Spending this time together can:

Strengthen family bonds across generations
Give your kids a richer sense of community
Offer new perspectives on parenting that might surprise you

How to Make the Most Out of Your Multi-Generational Getaway

Set Realistic Expectations. Prepare yourself mentally that not everything will go perfectly. That’s okay!
Establish Boundaries Early. Maybe that means carving out “quiet zones” or times for your immediate family to recharge.
Communicate Openly and Kindly. If something’s bothering you, a gentle word can go a long way.
Embrace Flexibility. Some plans will need to change — view this as part of the adventure.

Connecting the Dots to Your Fertility Journey

You might wonder, what does all this have to do with conception and fertility? Actually, quite a bit. Many families planning for children or expanding their family face unique emotional and logistical challenges. Stress and fatigue can impact fertility, and juggling family dynamics can feel even more intense when trying to conceive.

That’s why solutions like at-home insemination kits — such as those offered by MakeAMom — can be life-changers. These kits provide a private, convenient option for those who want to try conception outside clinical environments, giving couples and individuals more control and comfort amidst busy or complicated family lives.

Whether you’re dealing with the hustle of family vacations or the emotional rollercoaster of expanding your family, finding supportive, adaptable options can make a huge difference.

Final Thoughts

Vacations with extended family are an emotional journey, filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. They push us out of our comfort zones but also gift us memories that last a lifetime. Next time you’re packing your bags for that big family trip, remember: the tense moments don’t mean it’s all going wrong—they might just mean something beautiful is waiting on the other side.

Have you ever taken a vacation with your extended family? What was your biggest challenge, and what surprised you the most? Share your stories and let’s keep this conversation going!

And if you’re on a journey to start or grow your family and want to explore some of the latest tools that bring conception into your own home, check out how MakeAMom’s innovative kits are helping people like you create those beautiful moments, on your own terms.