Calming Nerves When Traveling??

It would help to understand what makes you nervous....

Leaving the kids?
Flying?
Fear of the unknown?

OK. Who is watching the kids?

Sit down with pen and paper (or laptop!) and write out a typical day's schedule for each kid.
List their food likes and dislikes, clothes they hate, bedtime routines, favorite tv shows--anything and everything!

I'll bet this will make you feel better so their caregivers know every spec of detail possible while you are gone!

You're doing something very real and important by celebrating your marriage. And making it a priority.

You can always call once per day to "check in". It's only Florida!
Have a BLAST!

I stay calm by realizing that I need time for myself and my husband, that I am more than just a mom. I'm a wife, a woman, a person. I feel that kids are broadened and strengthened by knowing that others can take care of them (aunts/uncles, grandparents, good friends, whatever), and I consider it a favor to them to let them experience this.

I also realize that I am much less likely to die in a plane crash than I am going to the grocery store in a car with 2 fussy kids when I'm exhausted and sleep-deprived. I know that the pilot and flight crew really want to get to their destination safely, and I'm just along for the ride. People watching is fun - there was a scene in a movie with Tina Fey where the couple kept making up stories about people they saw and speculating about their jobs and inclinations, and it was hilarious. I think new experiences are awesome. I don't stress about packing the right things or forgetting something - I know I can always buy shampoo or underwear at my destination if I forget something!

I know that I am a better person if I tend to my needs, get out of my town, get away from the housework and cooking, and find people to wait on me. Rediscovering my husband and our relationship is a great thing. So is sleeping late and not having anyone need juice or a potty right NOW! The more I can get out and stretch, the better I am as an example for my family. I deserve a rest, I deserve to be spoiled now and then, and so on. And I trust my family's love enough that it can withstand a week's separation. I think it's good preparation for when kids go to camp or college too! Let's all broaden ourselves, you know?

Try to figure out why you feel it is so critical that you be with your kids and in your house all the time - you can also get some short term counseling to help you address these fears. Once you name your fears and face them, they often fade.

I think that we tend to build up a lot of pressure before any event. But once whatever is taking place, theings tend to calm down. Remind yourself of that.

And, there is always Xanax.

Well I'm not sure there's much you can really do to calm your nerves before you leave. I'm always a mess, whether or not the kids are coming or not! I agree to sit down and right out a list or schedule. Not sure how old your kids are but mine are pretty little and it made me feel a lot better to do this! Try to plan everything, stock up on everything, pack everything needed for you and kids if necessary and just be prepared. That always helps me. If you're prepared then it cuts down on the worry b/c even if something does happen, there's always a full bottle of Tylenol, a working themometer, extra diapers, favorite snacks, whatever!

Once you get to FL, I think you'll feel relaxed. Talk to yourself about that now if you already have issues with that. Take some good books or buy a new swimsuit so you'll be excited to use it...whatever! Don't stress...have fun and celebrate 10 years of marriage...that's worth celebrating!

Do not focus on it so much. If you focus on the flight, the past experience and all that, you are regurgitating the fear which only makes it worse and then your mind is occupied with only that versus the trip.

Focus on the positive, nice events and the fun you will have all the way thru the travel. Read a book, don't get a window seat in the airplane, bring a headphone and listen to it, ask for tea instead of coffee on the flight, play with your kids if they are going, hug your husband and think about the times together, read a book on Florida...etc

What exactly is making you so nervous?

I am sure you trust and have faith that your children will be cared for very well and loved.

Chances of something happening to both of you are slim... you know that..

Is it flying? I have been a nutcase when flying because I've been on 3 emergency landings. The worst emergency flight was a few years ago. The engine blew on takeoff as we were climbing into the air. It was a critical cirle and land moment watching firetrucks chase us and when we stopped seeing everyone in hazmat outfits but us!! After that experience, I had anxiety after every take off until I heard the "ding" it is now safe to use approved items.

Last month, we flew Southwest and did not have a straight shot. I was freaking out because I had to land and take off 3 times. In all honesty, after each take off, I got a little better and by the end of the trip, the anxiety at take off was WAY WAY lower. I started listening, watching the attendants, and got a feel for the "normal".

After all my complaining to hubby about not wanting to have a stopover, I was better at the end of the trip and thanked him.

Realize that car travel is much more dangerous than flying.

I know it is hard but try to figure out what is bothering you and address those nerves.

Don't let some nerves ruin your trip away with hubby!!

I have generalized anxiety, PTSD, and some agoraphobia due to my father passing away int he Arbuckle Wilderness in Davis Oklahoma. He had a heart attack int eh reserve and they couldn't get him back to medical help in time. So I can tell you I am the WORST traveler in the world.

I have some anti anxiety meds I carry all the time in my purse but have not taken any for months and months.

I keep myself occupied with my phone, my lap top has games I like to play that are not dependent on the internet like Hoyle Card or Board Games, I played Doctor Mario for over 125 miles one time and I thought we had only been on the road about an hour. MY arm hurt and I couldn't lift my arm about my waist the rest of the day but I enjoyed it immensely.

I find a new book by my favorite author, J D Robb, and wait until we are on the road to crack it open, I use my portable CD player and headphones and play peaceful ocean surf, mountain stream, or a spring thunderstorm...but that one is really not too relaxing for people who were raised in Oklahoma...LOL.

I use meditation/visualization and do it regularity for a couple of weeks before the trip, I use Autogenic relaxation starting at my feet and working my way up, I keep a rolled up towel in the van when we travel to support the curve of my neck, I freeze water about half way in water bottles and use it like ice bags on my back to help with the sitting so long and the pain from being cramped.

I plan my trip out in segments. We traveled to Billings Montana a few years ago and I can tell you that there is a small town just about every 15-20 miles along side the highway. They used to be on the main highway, route 66, but the interstate/highways bypass them now. They are still there and have medical staff and any needed services just a few minutes away. I could see the towns/lights off to the sides of the road at night and didn't feel like I was out in the wilderness so much.

If you are mentally prepared for the trip and have all the things that might possibly make it easier it will go so much better. I can do a trip if I have every little town marked and know what museums, sights, geological formations, etc...there are it really helps to know you can pull off on any given exit and find something you need within minutes.

My preference is also to take the older highways, like route 66, instead of the big 4 lane raceways. I enjoy seeing the small towns, stopping at a mom and pop convenience store to use the bathroom and get a pop, I enjoy stopping by the side of the road and going to take the kids to play in an actual park instead of McDonalds play ground every time. It helps me to make these stops and get up and stretch. My body is not as sore and I feel much more grounded to the actual situation...everything is okay and I am not going to have a panic attack. If I do have one then medical help is not far away.