"In your journey as a family, you share so many beautiful moments: meals, rest, housework, leisure, prayer, trips and pilgrimages, and times of mutual support…" ~ Pope Francis, Letter to Families, February 2014 Do you feel like you need a vacation to recover from your vacation? Have you spent time and money on trips that leave you feeling disappointed & frustrated? Do you have nightmares of children shouting "Are we there yet?" and arguments with relatives? Family trips and vacations are sources of such deep joy and fulfillment, but they can also bring so much stress, anxiety, and conflict. What strategies & approaches would help you get the most out of trips with family and friends? On the heels of a cross country road trip with their 7 children to spend a week with extended family, Pat & Kenna share some practical ways to make family trips more fruitful and peaceful. From communication about expectations and hopes to embracing healthy boundaries and car entertainment, we welcome you into this relevant and practical conversation. Listen in and share your own traveling tips & tricks with us! Episode 52 Show Notes Chapters: 0:00: Intro & This or That?: Movie edition 16:48: Highs & Hards 24:08: The joys & stresses of family trips 28:10: Communicating hopes & fears before the trip 35:51: Expectations & Boundaries on a trip 46:20: Final practical tips for trips 55:42: Challenge By Choice Questions for Reflection & Discussion: What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation? What memories do you have of trips you took growing up? What parts of those memories are joyful or painful? What do you appreciate about trips as an adult? What makes trips with family or friends stressful or difficult to manage? Why do you take trips? What values of yours are attached to trips with loved ones? How can communication about expectations and boundaries help create a more joyful trip? What tips & strategies have made your family trips more joyful? Send us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind! Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only) Support the show Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com , and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller . Used with permission.
