This post was sponsored by Influence Central as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
We love to travel.
As parents, we want our kids to be able to experience as much of the world (and fun) while they are still young, and with us so that we can make those memories together as a family.
Traveling with kids can have its pros and cons.
Pros
Family Time
This is an obvious plus for any family. Our lives are so hectic, that a full-fledged vacation is often the only way we can sit back and actually take time to be with one another. Even though it may also make for a hectic vacation (fussy kids due to routines being thrown off), it’s totally worth it!
Relaxation
Don’t laugh! Yes, traveling with kids can be just as relaxing as it is not, but that’s a part of parenting. I don’t discount what I am supposed to be getting out of the vacation just because of a few stressful moments and some hiccups!
Cons
Preparation
This is probably the worst part for me. Getting everything together and paid for. It can be rough leading up to it. We will often schedule vacations and have to change plans because of my husband’s work schedule or something else that may come up. Also, packing for a large family never any fun. We are always bound to forget something! Throw in the travel time it takes to get to our destination with kids, and there is a whole new level of frustration!
After vacation hangover
Do you need a vacation from your vacation? That’s what it always feels like afterward for us! This is mostly because during our time away we let the kids over indulge too much and normally by the time we get home someone is sick.
Did you know that at least 70% of travelers will suffer from diarrhea (most adults will choose to ride it out)? Sounds yucky, but it happens. And if you have children, they experience at least 5-7 episodes per year on average. As a mom of 5, multiply that for me and you’ll see why I need a vacation after the vacation! The most common way to resolve it is through over the counter remedies.
Normally the first thing I do when my kids get sick from vacation is run to my local drugstore and pick them up OTC meds that fit their symptoms. However, over the last two years, I have become more cognizant of the medicines I am picking up for them. Due to the burgeoning opioid crisis in our country, it’s my duty as a parent to ensure that I am keeping my kids safe to the best of my ability. This means not purchasing medicines that may get them hooked.
For many of the anti-diarrheal medications, the active ingredient is loperamide. If used in recommended doses it is completely safe, but if taken in large doses, mimics the effects (high) of opioids. While it may have an effect on relieving some symptoms, however, it does not address the underlying issue or cause of diarrhea. Like any parent, we never want to give our kids medicine just for the sake of doing so.
The FDA has asked retailers to voluntarily stop carrying large count loperamide products. This means as parents and consumers that until it stops happening, we have to be more cognizant about reading the labels.
Do you read the labels of your kids medication? Follow me on social @NatashaVBrown and let’s start a conversation!
Love of impromptu dance parties, 80’s cartoons, and horizontal life pauses (aka naps); Natasha Brown is a stay at home mom of 4 kids, and wife to one lucky guy! In her spare time, she is co-editor of Grits & Grace, as well as editor for The Mother Hustler Blog and Creative Director for the Mother Hustler podcast.
