I am currently on vacation with my family and had been previously asked about the topic of how to enjoy family vacations when traveling with a picky eater – so I thought this would be a good one to talk about.
My own experiences
We recently went to Harrison Hot Springs. I had been dying to come back to Harrison Hot Springs for vacation as my husband and I came here for our honeymoon. So after, 12 years – we finally made it back.
I vividly remember what we ate on that trip:
- Each morning, we had breakfast buffet with hot coffee, warm, flaky pastries and other delicious breakfast items
- After that, we wandered down to the coffee shop for lattes and read our newpapers/talked
- For lunch, we ordered in sushi and drank champagne on our balcony
- For dinner, one night we went to the fine dining restaurant on the resort that featured a live band and dancing. The other night we went to the German restaurant and ate schnitzel.
How it is different being here with my kids
If I was techy enough to add sounds, I would add that scratching record “screeeee” sound right now. This would help make it painfully obvious that my trip/trip menu looks a LOT different now that I am no longer traveling just with an adult but have my two amazing boys with me.
Our first night’s dinner consisted of hot dogs and a potato tornado (check out the link if you don’t know that they are! they are SO GOOD!) eaten off our laps, while drinking root beers.
For breakfast, we went to the same buffet from 12 years ago. But, while I still enjoyed the pastries and hot coffee, I was on high alert for elbows and wayward body parts that inadvertently knock over juice glasses and coffee mugs.
For lunch, we tried to go the sushi place, but it had been turned into a fish and chips place, so we ate fish and chips.
For dinner, we went back to the German Restaurant. I ordered the Goulash, my husband at the rouladen and my one son had spaetzle. My other son… had the bread basket.
Putting it into perspective
Well, traveling to Harrison hot springs for my honeymoon felt pretty different than traveling there with my kids! But it was amazing in different ways. And our menu – while similar was different and admittedly less relaxing.
Let your meal goal dictate what you eat
My tips to help you get through eating on vacation with your family is to choose the goal that works for you for each meal. Your goal will likely be different depending on what you are on the mood for/what you and your family have eaten that day. Try to only choose one goal – having more than one goal per meal can end in frustration.
- If your goal is for your own enjoyment, then choose the restaurant you most want to go to and let you child choose whatever they want from the menu. If there is nothing from the entrees that they, check out the sides, desserts or drinks. Remember that this meal is for you and not for them – so do whatever you need to keep them quiet enough so that you can enjoy it. If they don’t want anything – don’t force it. Ordering foods they don’t want can end up in you ordering something they don’t eat which can leave you feeling mad or frustrated.
- If your goal is their enjoyment, then choose the restaurant that they want and let them choose whatever they want. If they just want the ice cream or the milkshake – great! Let them get it. This meal is for them to enjoy.
- If your goal is for nutrition, a quick stop at a fruit stand or a grocery store to get some fruits, veggies, cheese or yogurts that your family likes may be best. It can be really hard to find a nutritious meal that every one likes.
What is your family up to for family vacations this summer? I would love to hear about!
