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With Mother’s Day coming up, I’ve been thinking a lot about motherhood—how it reshapes not just travel, but identity and daily life. Life with four kids (all 7 and under) is nonstop. It’s full, loud, and often exhausting—but also filled with joyful moments that are hard to put into words.
I think often about how my own mom, grandmothers, and mother-in-law were once in this same “in the thick of it” season, raising their babies and shaping the families that eventually led to mine. That perspective feels especially grounding in this stage of life.
The Moms of Mine & My Kids Lives
We are very much in it right now—but I don’t take for granted:
The privilege of raising them
The health and safety that allows us to do so
The cuddles, giggles, and chaos of this fleeting season
Lately, I’ve been more intentional about how I move through motherhood—especially in a way that still aligns with the life we want to live (including travel). A few things that have been helping me enjoy this season more, even in the chaos:
Embracing the role of “chief memory maker”
Treating Stay-At-Home Motherhood Like a Real Job
Building Independent Play Into Their Day (In Day-to-Day Life or Travel)
Making Space for Some Self-Care (Even in This Season)
Baby-Wearing = More Freedom
Building Good Habits and Routines
Embracing the Role of “Chief Memory Maker”
When you’re proud of the coordinated family hats, and fail to realize how wrong the baby’s hat size is for her
This ties back to why I started sharing family travel in the first place.
I’ve embraced my role as the one who:
Plans trips and experiences
Creates opportunities for connection and community
Facilitates meaningful memories at home and while traveling
The logistics can feel overwhelming, but reframing them as an opportunity to create memories, show them the world, and give them shared experiences…has made it all feel much more meaningful.
If you need ideas on travel, itineraries, or “how-tos”, I have a bunch of resources on my website including my digital family travel conversation cards to use with your kids at any time!
Treating Stay-At-Home Motherhood Like a Real Job
I got this insight from one of my favorite mom influencers on Instagram. This mindset shift stuck with me—and it’s changed a lot.
What that looks like for me:
Keeping structure for the kids:
Consistent meal times, naps, and bedtimes (most days) help our days run more smoothly.Being intentional with downtime:
Instead of defaulting to scrolling or chatting on the phone, I try to use some of that time for things I’ll feel good about at the end of the day—like a workout or getting work done.Pursuing a passion project:
For me, it’s this family travel newsletter. I genuinely enjoy using some of my free time to write about this passion of mine, research new ideas, and build a creative source of income.If you’re interested in starting something yourself, I use Beehiiv for my newsletter and TravelPayouts for a large portion of my affiliate income.
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I still have days where I scroll or rest—and that’s okay. But I’ve noticed I feel more fulfilled when I use that time to move something forward. That leads to me feeling even more present when I’m with the kids.
At the end of the day, this is just what works for me.
The goal is figuring out what actually fills your cup.
Building Independent Play Into Their Day (In Day-to-Day Life or Travel)
With four kids, I’ve learned this quickly: independent play isn’t optional—it’s essential - whether you’re at home or on a trip. If you need to gift a family something for a birthday or special event, I highly vouch for these activities!
What we rely on:
Sticker & Activity Books - I talk about these A LOT, because I see how long they occupy my kids for and how much they help with deregulation. I have our favorites compiled here.
Tablets (with apps like chess + Khan Academy) - we tend to save the tablet use for the weekends or trips so it still stays “exciting”
Open-ended toys:
Legos and try the Brick-It app to give kids ideas on what to build
Water table (to wash cars) on our deck with a waterproof mat underneath
Outdoor time whenever possible: When they play outside, I like them to keep their Cosmo Smart Watches (CODE: SHAINAREHMANN) on, so I can keep track of their location AND call them on the watch if I need to get a hold of them..
Making Space for Some Self-Care (Even in This Season)
“Self-care” can feel unrealistic right now—but I’ve found that small investments in myself that help me feel more like me again.
What that looks like lately:
Stroller walks (with a weighted vest)
Pilates Reformer Machine workouts (before we invested in the machine, I used to use a portable pilates bar like this one that I loved!)
Making plans with girlfriends (I feel so passionate about this one, I created a whole guide on how to make good mom friends. Check it out there!)
Ask for help. This has been a big one for me. Talk with your partner about systems that make daily life easier. Lean on family and friends. Consider paid help if possible. Whether it’s extra support on a playdate to hold your baby or a grandparent coming over to play board games with your older kids, it’s okay to ask. It doesn’t always lead to an immediate solution—but if you don’t say you need help, no one will know.
Pro Tip: If you’re thinking about investing in products for yourself, check your HSA—mine covered my red light mask, walking pad, weighted vest, and even some reformer machines (not all, but worth checking!).
Consider this a Mothers Day gift guide 🙂
Baby-Wearing = More Freedom
2 sisters with their babies in Baby Carriers in Lisbon, Portugal
When we’re out, traveling, or socializing, baby-wearing has been a total game changer. It keeps the baby close, cozy, and content while allowing me to be more present instead of constantly juggling.
It also helps me continue prioritizing socialization and getting out of the house while staying hands-free—knowing my baby feels safe and secure against me.
My go-to baby carriers:
Building Good Habits and Routines
We use a digital habit tracker to get the kids involved in daily routines:
Putting away laundry
Helping with siblings
Reading to each other
It’s not perfect, but it builds teamwork and takes a little off my plate. Over time, these habits lead to smoother days—and even easier travel.
A simple nightly routine we love:
Each person shares a “nice part” and a “not-so-nice part” of their day
It helps us connect, reflect, and think about small ways to improve tomorrow
Simple, but it’s become one of our favorite ways to stay grounded and connected. Check out my tool here:
What’s Next?
Motherhood and travel aren’t always an obvious pairing—but I’ve found they actually shape each other in the best ways. It’s not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about finding rhythms, adjusting expectations, and creating a life that feels full in the ways that matter most.
If you’re in a similar season—especially “in the thick of it”—I see you. 🤍
— Shaina
