# @theconnectedparentsite on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DRSIOTuEapo
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/61883939-theconnectedparentsite-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/bcba42204b.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-11-20T15:27:39.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Julie Walters | The Connected Parent (@theconnectedparentsite) — https://gondola.cc/theconnectedparentsite

## Caption

Setting out for a vacation without worrying about judgment, meltdowns, or endless “what ifs" is just 🤌 

We did this last year and it was such a relief to let the kids be themselves and not stress about every little thing.

Was it perfect? Absolutely not.

One kid insisted on sleeping in the laundry room.
Another got totally dysregulated at a crowded restaurant after we’d already ordered.
And there may have been "scene" at the ice cream shop 😅

BUT! Because we were with another family who understood, there was no judgement.

When I needed a minute, I could tap out.

When things got messy, we laughed instead of cringing.

When one of us needed support, the other jumped in without hesitation.

Sharing both the work and the joy made everything lighter, and letting another family into our chaos (and being invited into theirs) was honestly one of the best experiences of my life.

Oh, and as a bonus? We swapped childcare so each couple got a date night. Pure. Magic.

So! Just throwing it out there as an idea if you haven't thought about it before 🫶

And if you HAVE done this, I want to hear everything. How was it for you!?

#disabilitymom #disability #specialneeds #parentingrare #autism #autismmom #disabilityparent #raremom #medicalmom #neurodivergent #neurodiversityaffirming #raredisease

## Stats

- **Views:** 1,168
- **Likes:** 153
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 8

## Tags

autism, disabilitymom, disability, disabilityparent, neurodivergent, raremom, specialneeds, neurodiversityaffirming, medicalmom, parentingrare, raredisease, autismmom

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