Navigating Family Vacations: Duty Over Fun

Dear Carolyn,

Many parents find extended-family vacations valuable for receiving help with young children. However, this hasn’t been our experience. While my parents contribute a bit, they avoid handling meals, cleaning, or bedtimes. They expect my husband and me to fully engage in all family activities.

Complicating matters, my parents often maintain a tense relationship, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for everyone involved. These annual trips are not enjoyable. They feel more like an obligation than a leisure activity.

My brother and his family manage to exempt themselves gracefully, citing their summer sports commitments. Unfortunately, we do not have such an easy escape.