Family Friday Five: Back to School Humor and Hiking Tshirts

Like most parents, I am frustrated that COVID still lingers, scared and confused about the school year for my kids, and trying hard to make the best of all things. As parents, we are the ones who are the leaders when it comes not only to tangible decisions (such as what to eat, when to be home, when to travel) but also the emotional environment of the home. It’s a lot to handle. And, as I shared, I’ve been trying to use this time to make lemonade.

Our picks today are fun, serious, COVID and non-COVID related, much as my thoughts are. All over!

Enjoy.

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Let’s talk about today… because this is the picture I am choosing to share on my feed but if you see my IG story above, you will see the video of how many people are actually here. . I backpacked the backcountry in this park with my brother and sister years ago and had an amazing experience in the Smokies. But doing it roadside with kids was SO different. . This park is the most popular National Park and we recall reading it gets 9 million visitors a year!! So if you are looking for a quiet place to get back to nature don’t do it this way. . That said = this park is stunning, and a gem of floral and fauna (also see our IG story for our encounter with a bear 🐻 ) and I feel proud that our country has chosen to protect it. . In short; I am not quite sure what to make of today!! I think I will need some time to process before I share this on our website, but any tips and thoughts you have, drop them below or shoot me a message. . #nationallparks #greatsmokymountainsnationalpark #familieswhotravel #familieswhohike #family #vacation #familyvacation #travel #travelblogger #travelgram #familytravel #waterfall #hiking #hike #roadtrip

A post shared by The Family Trip (@familytripmag) on Jul 29, 2020 at 5:14pm PDT

Our Family Friday Five Roundup Includes:

1- I can’t stay away from the Wondery Brand website, and bought this tank top (which sums my summer up perfectly). Note that if you purchase this, size up if you want it a little baggy. It’s a fitted tee.

2- This hysterical article on the school decision made me laugh out loud. Accurate!

3- I have put this swimsuit in my shopping cart no less than 10 times, but am still hesitating. First, I don’t usually spend that much on any article of clothing. Second, buying a swimsuit without being able to see it/try it on first has never worked out for me. Thoughts?

4- We finished the bulk our kitchen renovations (finally! just painting left!) and to celebrate, I splurged on this bowl. It is absolutely gorgeous, even though it does have a bit of a burnt wood smell to it fresh out of the box (which seems to be diminishing).

5- This article on how to handle the anxiety and stress of back to school: both the weighty decision and the ramifications.

Instead of thinking about the ways in which the upcoming school year may not measure up, or what your family has lost, connect with your values. If you weren’t worried or ruminating about the school year, what else could you be doing?

Five years from now, how would you like to have shown up for your family during the pandemic? How do you want your children to remember this time? Put your energy into what’s working and what’s meaningful to you.

Past Articles for You:

10 Books That Will Help You Change Your Life

Internet Safety (& Balance) For Kids

Have a great weekend, everyone, and may you find joy. I am not sure what we will be up to, but I am sure it will be a great trip.