Returning to Our Family Rhythm After Travel

Nothing says relaxation like travelling with two kids, right? Honestly, though, for us, it truly does. Andrew and I decided early on that having children wouldn’t mean putting life on hold. The kids are an extension of us, not a reason to wait. Travel has always been part of our rhythm, and we’ve chosen to keep it that way.

February Is a Month for Recalibration

We just got back from a two week vacation to our favourite spot: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The boys love it, we love it. We’ve rarely actually visit in January/February, so it was quite nice to duck out right before the polar vortex hit Toronto. I’ve been slowly recalibrating back to the cold weather (it’s been difficult!) and back into our regular routine.

Why Traveling as a Nuclear Family Feels Different

Andrew and I haven’t traveled to Mexico without another group accompanying us, so this trip was really special. While we did know a few couples that went during the same time, we hung out with them on our schedule (and the golf schedule, for Andrew!).

It felt like, everything regarding this trip was seamless. Airport security and customs? No lines, no waits. Checking in? A wait, yes but that’s because we were early to the resort. Missed the big snowstorm that was canceling flight across the US and into Canada? You bet. Groceries delivered, no big deal.

How We Actually Travel (And Why It’s Not for Everyone)

Andrew and I fully admit that we travel very differently than most people. I’m sure we’re not alone, but we are not easy to travel with if you like to have a plan and itinerary. List of goals to hit? Ya, not our vibe. We treat our vacation like a vacation. For us, that means LOTS of rest and down time. We typically will cook majority of our meals in our room, so that means slow mornings for breakfast, lunches and afternoons down by the pools or the beach, and then dinners back in the room.

If we have an excursion that we want to do, it is not the priority. We make one day of it and then the rest of the time is absolutely no game plan with no rush to make a game plan. We usually have our weeks booked, then our flights, so we are either early or late for our actual check-in date. This time around we were early, so we spent the night in a hotel and made the time to go to the local Costco.

The Shift That Happens When It’s Just Us

We’ve noticed something interesting over the years. When we travel with others and then stay on after they leave, the dynamic always changes. Not better or worse; just different.

Who talks to us. Who talks to the kids. The kinds of conversations that happen. It used to surprise me. Now, it feels familiar.

This trip, I found myself in a deep conversation about spirituality and the state of the world with a man from B.C. We talked for fifteen minutes at the swim-up bar while Andrew was golfing (having his own version of meaningful conversations) until the kids pulled me back into the moment.

There’s an openness that shows up when it’s just us.

When Rhythm Is Disrupted, Resistance Shows Up

When our rhythm is off, everyone feels it. We rush. We jostle. Stress shows up in small but telling ways — forgotten details, frayed patience, extra charges at the airport, tension that didn’t need to exist in the first place.

I’ve learned that resistance isn’t random. It’s feedback.

What I’m Leaving Behind in 2025

2025 was the year of figuring out boundaries. That means I’m leaving behind saying yes by default. I’m making sure that before I say yes it works for the family unit, and won’t destroy our peace. Because at 37, protecting my peace is worth causing a few ripples.

What I’m Choosing Instead in 2026

2026 feels like it’s bringing on some fairly big changes, and feels like it’ll rock the boat if you aren’t prepared for it (Hello, Fire Horse energy). I have some big conversations to be had, and some big travel plans to plan.

I’ve learned to recognize what happens when that rhythm is disrupted for too long. I feel it in my body, in my emotional regulation, and in my relationship with Andrew. That kind of resistance isn’t sustainable anymore, and it’s something I’m deliberately leaving behind in 2025.

Because at the end of the day, Andrew and our kids are my priority. Anything that consistently pulls us out of alignment, anything that disrupts our family rhythm over a sustained period is something I need to learn to say no to. Actively. Not passively. Not by default.

That’s the boundary I’m carrying forward into 2026 and the years ahead.

Is there anything that you do to protect your families peace?

J x