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How do I survive family vacations or extended periods of time with my family?

17 Answers
Last Updated: 10/12/2021 at 2:04am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Tracy-Kate Teleke, PsyD, M.A., LMFT

Marriage & Family Therapist

I assist adults and couples in CA experiencing relationship challenges and interpersonal struggles including anxiety, depression, and a myriad of other life challenges.

Top Rated Answers
felixthecat
November 23rd, 2015 1:48pm
I try to find a place that I can have alone time. Going for a walk by myself helps if I start to get stressed out around them.
KRN
December 14th, 2015 7:17am
Is this a bad thing? Having a quality time with your family is very limited. Have fun, offer recreational activities with them.
musicalcat20000
May 23rd, 2016 1:52pm
Make sure to find alone time, it's really important to make sure you stay happy. Try to find mutual interests, but if they're really bugging you put in headphones and try to leave the room and breathe until the situation is manageable.
JustHereForYou222
October 12th, 2021 2:04am
I survive family vacations for an extended period of time by allowing myself to take a moment to center myself and have some alone time when I feel that I need it or am overwhelmed. Some times being around family can be draining though we love them and enjoy their company. I feel that taking the necessary steps to identify when you are at your limit and need time alone is very important. By setting this limit or boundary it can allow us to make necessary decisions to remove yourself before we say something we may not mean. This is very important.
radiantHoliday82
April 3rd, 2018 1:51pm
you should try to use that time to make some good memories, if its still a difficult time for you, i may suggest you use it to make knew friends or try to focus on something you like doing!
alekplease
October 10th, 2017 5:47am
Whenever I'm out with my family, I make sure to leave time to myself. I read before bed, or if my family is at the hotel pool I'll ask to go back to the hotel room to use the bathroom, which buys me ~half an hour. Above all it's important to remember that the days spent with your family will not last forever. Someday you'll miss them...so even though it can get overwhelming to spend so much time with them, try to think of it as a blessing as well :)
Anonymous
November 22nd, 2016 3:35am
I take some time about 30 minutes to an hour in a day to just take some time and relax. So what I would do is listen to music, and maybe even take a bath at the same time, so I can clear my head and relax
avi45
July 25th, 2016 9:29am
just agree with them rather than fighting or saying no to everything, these makes things easier and time changes
gracefulTree58
June 21st, 2016 6:33pm
Go in with a positive attitude, and understand that your family needs quality time with you. But also understand that it is more than okay to ask for a bit of personal space during that time. Feel free to go on a walk or get a breath of fresh air if you need a break.
Priya123
June 20th, 2016 7:30pm
find things to do as a family that have an interest in at least two or more family members, but remember that every second of the day you don't have spend all together. have some alone time as well.
Anonymous
June 7th, 2016 5:18pm
The best way to survive extended family vacations is to remain level-headed. It is kind of like a bee or a wasp, if you don't bother them, they won't bother you. And if they do bother you, remind yourself that the vacation is only x amount of days over, and try to relax. What good is a vacation if it's stressful?
Ashlee26Jayde
May 25th, 2015 3:21am
Your family no doubt has a lot of different ways of showing that they love you and for your family they may like to spend quality time together. Just understand that because you don't enjoy that like they doesn't mean that they don't care and don't want to make memories together. Keep a positive attitude as much as you can and try to make the most of it.
Anonymous
December 21st, 2015 5:57pm
Always seek the good out of it. These are bonding time of which can be reflected back upon fondly. Try to find mutual interests that bring joy even if they are small. Like swimming at the beach!
olimaar
December 8th, 2015 4:05pm
Remember to love your family. Although you may not feel accepted, know that you are. Try to spend extra time with your family instead of spending the whole vacation alone. It won't be as unbearable as you make it.
PoliteOcean
August 31st, 2015 7:50pm
Its should't be about "surviving". It should be about having fun, and making memories that will last for a lifetime. Even though there can be experiences throughout a vacation that can cause some distress here or there, the best thing to do is to try to plan as far as you can in advance for them. Including transportation, financial issues, boarding, any pets involved, a house sitter if needed etc...taking the best measures you can ahead of time to ensure a worry or stress free vacation should help you to relax more while on vacation. And have a great time with your family, making those lifetime memories, and sipping that pina colada under a palm tree while sitting poolside~ Enjoy!
yurkiko2005
August 17th, 2015 12:11am
Deep deep breaths!! Beyond that, even when I am with my family, I take time for myself, whether it be going out and walking through the woods or taking a long bath, I still take time for me.
Anonymous
June 16th, 2015 3:03pm
Don't let any negative emotions get the best of you. Take the high road by ignoring any chafing fights, rude comments, or anything upsetting. If you feel like you can't handle it, try to see if there's anyone you can call and just vent about it to.