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Yahoo
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
She left the family vacation five days early—what happened next reignited a parenting firestorm
As a mom of five, I've evolved my strategy for 'vacations' with kids over the years—mostly out of survival. Because let's be honest: when we're traveling to a faraway destination or staying in someone else's (non-babyproofed) home, it's rarely a break. The nap schedules disappear. The snacks run out. And somehow, you're doing the same parenting hustle you do at home… just in another time zone, without your support system, and usually with more sand involved. We've learned to adapt: taking one-on-one trips with our kids to places we're excited to visit, bringing a babysitter when we can (even if it costs more), and setting expectations with extended family ahead of time. But still—traveling with kids rarely feels restorative. So when one mom shared she tapped out of her family vacation five days early, it felt instantly recognizable. Related: 8 Signs of Mom Burnout & Tips for Self-Care – Motherly The breaking point at the lake house Every summer, Kelly Hubbell packs up her three kids and heads to her in-laws' lake house. This year, she left five days early. The internet had plenty to say, especially about the deeper truth her exit exposed: the invisible weight many mothers carry every day. In a now-viral Instagram post, with over 20,000 likes, Hubbell explained how illness, disrupted routines, and a chaotic lakeside BBQ with three kids under six pushed her beyond her limit. She and her husband packed up and headed home on day 12 of the trip. The response? A split screen of support and outrage. Payalforstyle: 'The difference in comments from men and women on this post tells you everything you need to know. Men still wish they married their silent suffering moms and pissed when that are held accountable to be being an equal parent.' Titusvdu: 'Cannot imagine my wife embarrassing me by leaving a family trip early and then seeing her post a book about it acting like it's acceptable behavior.' Nancyshuba: 'Maybe just keep family stuff to yourself. Not everything needs to be public.' Scmarta: 'What kind of child care were you expecting to be at this BBQ?' Chayes3200: 'Sounds like you don't communicate well. Why didn't you have support? Probably bc u didn't ask.' Some parents praised her boundary-setting. Others accused her of overreacting, embarrassing her husband, or, predictably, 'making it all about her.' Hubbell's story captured the quiet strain so many mothers endure: the emotional labor that builds with every unseen task and unspoken expectation. The myth of the 'relaxing family trip' Let's be honest: family vacations with young kids is often just like regular life at home, just with fewer routines and more wet bathing suits. Instead of rest, many moms find themselves in overdrive—responsible for everything from swim diapers and sunscreen to bedtime routines and emotional regulation. Family trips often magnify the responsibilities moms already juggle, especially when routines vanish and support systems are left behind. Research backs that up. A Gallup study found that 81% of working mothers report feeling burned out from the strain of 'managing it all'—from juggling meetings and school pickups to answering emails late at night. Add the pressure of being the 'chill mom' during family gatherings and it's easy to see why Hubbell's story struck such a nerve. These trips tend to expose an unspoken truth: moms often remain the default parent, regardless of how many adults are around. They're tracking swim diapers, sunscreen, snacks, and bedtime routines—while trying to smile and soak in the lake view. Related: 81% of working moms face burnout while 'managing it all,' Gallup study finds What happens when the default parent taps out Hubbell chose to leave—a quiet but powerful decision during a moment that demanded more than endurance. She didn't storm out. She just quietly decided to leave—before things got worse. Her decision resonated with thousands of mothers who are increasingly vocal about the unsustainable pressures placed on them. The idea that moms should simply 'make it work', often at the expense of their health, joy, and peace, is being questioned more than ever. These moments of refusal reflect a growing shift: mothers speaking out against the expectation to silently shoulder every challenge alone. Hubbell's takeaway: when the parent doing the most is running on empty, nobody wins. The kids suffer, the marriage strains, and the 'fun' family vacation becomes a countdown to meltdown. Related: Why every mama needs a weekend to do nothing When personal choices reveal a deeper cultural truth We're long overdue for a reimagining of what partnership, parenting, and rest should look like. That starts with questioning why it's still controversial for a mom to say, 'I've had enough.' Real support goes beyond surface-level self-care. Mothers need systems that share the workload and recognize the mental toll. And moms deserve real rest, not just 'trips' that somehow make motherhood even harder. Related: Mom of four shares genius road trip tips for all your summer plans The bigger picture Hubbell left because she was drained—and because staying any longer would've come at the cost of her well-being. Society rarely questions why she's carrying so much—it just critiques the mom who breaks the script. Vacations, like the rest of family life, reveal the architecture of our households. And if the default parent is crumbling while everyone else enjoys the lake view, it might be time to leave. Related: Go away, working mom guilt: I didn't have kids (or a career) in order to feel inadequate Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Burnt-Out Mom Leaves Family Vacation Early—and Sparks a Debate
Is this an unnecessary peace out, or protecting your peace? While parental stress season lasts year-round, it can really kick into high gear during the summertime. The irony is, it's often due to the very thing that's supposed to give us a recharge: family vacation. Even if you do plan the perfect trip six months in advance, the unpredictable is bound to happen—especially when young kids are in the picture. And it can cause a domino effect that sends everything spiraling. But what if you could it? Tap out. Call the game. Pull the plug. Whatever cliche you want to use to say you're leaving vacation early, you as a parent actually do have that power. One mom who was stressed out during a recent family trip with her in-laws shares how she remembered her "Eject Button" and pressed it hard. Abort Mission Kelly Hubbell, a 37-year-old mom of three (ages 6, 4, and 2), went on Instagram to explain how her family spends a few weeks at a lake house every summer with her husband's family. She writes that they love being there and spending time together, but it's "a lot to juggle." That's because they are traveling with young kids for over seven hours, including a flight, a car ride, and a ferry. But on this year's trip, Hubbell says that she was sick, which of course, depletes the energy and patience meters quickly. "Our youngest learned to crawl out of the pack + play. We were away from our usual routines. And after a 6-hour BBQ with three kids under six running in three different directions (in an extremely water safety hazard environment), I hit my limit," Hubble writes. So they left and went back home, five days early (which was on day 12 of their trip). In an interview with Today, Hubble says her husband "was disappointed and I know he felt guilty about it, but he understood.' Her in-laws? She says they're "taking it personally." Despite this, says she has no regrets about the decision, writing in the Instagram caption, "Despite what mom guilt propaganda might tell you, you ARE allowed to protect your peace." She adds that when one parent is running on empty (even during family vacation), everyone looses. "The only way your family thrives is when you do. When you are rested. When you are supported. When you have a system that actually works." Opinions Are Strong, but Mixed As for the responses in the comments, they are, of course, full of very strong opinions about this mom's decision. Granted, full context is lacking; and we don't hear any other perspectives about the trip. But it didn't stop commenters from giving their two cents. Many applaud Hubble for her agency: "12 days is about 10 days longer than I can stay with anyone. Family or Friend. You did good mom!" empathizes one responder. "On my way home now early from the same situation. Go us," writes another. "You totally did the exact right thing. Self-care then family care! If you're exhausted, then everyone else is missing out on your best you," comments someone else. But other commenters aren't so rosy about how it went down. "You're the problem," writes one commenter, bluntly. "You would never let your husband pull this stunt if it was your parents lake house," another assumes. A commenter who isn't so definitive responds in part with, "I'm on the fence. I get why you left. But from the end result I'm assuming there was no game plan between you and your husband before you left." Continue To Count the Cost As parents and as adults, we're constantly counting the cost of our actions—even when we don't necessarily have options to weigh. While it can be a really hard for some of us to put ourselves first (mentally, physically, and emotionally), the cost of not doing so will eventually catch up with us. This is especially true for those of us who feel obligated to please others. I can't say that's what this mom was feeling when on this trip, but she certainly didn't have enough in the emotional bank account to stay. So I can't blame her for wanting to leave. However, I do wonder if there could've been a more cost-effective way to handle this with her husband, either before they arrived or before they left. Not knowing exactly how the conversation went down or what other options were on the table, it's tough to draw too many conclusions like those in the comments. Twelve days is a long time, though. Was the length of stay discussed between mom and dad? Did other family members offer to ease some of the burden? Was mom accepting of help? These are answers we likely won't get. But having been in somewhat similar situations with my own family in the past, I can say there is often at least some compromises that can be made with good communication. Either way, it's absolutely true that self-care is important—for you and for your family. And getting there might require making a quick withdrawal. Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword
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Travel + Leisure
08-06-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
10 Best Places to Buy a Lake House in the U.S. Right Now, According to Real Estate Experts
For many, lake houses are synonymous with summertime nostalgia. Barbeques, refreshing dips in the chilly water, gorgeous sunsets, boat rides, and fireflies: If you've spent any time by a lake in the warmer months, you're likely well-acquainted with this particular brand of vacation magic. You may even be looking to recreate it for yourself by purchasing your own lake house. If that's the case, but you're not exactly sure which lake you want to call your home (or your second home) just yet, we can help. There are quite literally thousands of lakes with real estate opportunities in the U.S., so we spoke with a few experts to narrow down the selection. Below, they're sharing their picks for the best places to buy a lake house this year. Aerial view of boats in Lake of the Ozarks. 'Lake of the Ozarks is a great place to buy a lakefront property right now because, along with offering dozens of year-round activities, the property is still affordable,' says Elena Novak, lead real estate researcher at Missouri-based Matt Smith Real Estate Group reports that, in February of this year, the average sale price of homes in this part of the state was $448,585, while Zillow estimates the average home value in the city of Lake Ozark is just above $340,000. 'With real estate prices rising, these homes may become out of reach within the next five years,' Novak warns—so if you're interested in a quiet lakefront home that's just a couple of hours from hubs like Kansas City or St. Louis, now's the time to buy. Rocky coastline of Lake Erie in determining the best places to buy a lake house, Julie Brinkman, the CEO at Beyond, a revenue management system for vacation rentals, was focused on destinations that make the most financial sense for those seeking out properties to add to their rental portfolio. 'The southwest Lake Erie region, bordering both Michigan and Ohio, has an average yearly revenue per listing of $34,000 and an average yearly occupancy rate of 40 percent,' she says. As of May 2025, Zillow has a handful of homes in the area—in Luna Pier, Michigan; Harbor View, Ohio; and Oak, Harbor, Ohio—listed for under $300,000. Serene nature around Lake Norman in North Carolina. Jon Bilous/500px/Getty Images "The Lake Norman area, especially Mooresville and Cornelius, gives you that rare opportunity to live like you're on vacation year-round. You're just 45 minutes from Charlotte and a major airport, which makes travel seamless, but you still get all the benefits of lakefront living,' says Ben Bowen, broker in charge at Premier Sotheby's International Realty. 'Right now, the market is balanced, which means opportunity. We're seeing consistent appreciation and real demand, especially from people looking for that balance of lifestyle, access, and natural beauty." In Mooresville, you'll be looking at house prices around $484,825, while the average home value in Cornelius is around $532,671. A gazebo on the coast of Lake Tahoe. Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure 'Lake Tahoe is still one of the most beautiful locations in the U.S. The crystal-clear blue water and the backdrop of mountains make it a perfect getaway,' says Novak. 'Property values are higher, which means it is a good long-term investment.' While Lake Tahoe real estate is far from cheap—Redfin reports the average home price on the California side of the lake is around $835,000—this is a great destination for those who want to live full-time by a lake. There's amazing skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and boating, swimming, and hiking in the summer. The shoulder seasons are also incredible, with fewer tourists and comfortable spring and fall temperatures. Sunset overe Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Matt'Lake Geneva is another perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy outdoor life. Close to Chicago and Milwaukee, yet still remote enough to make you feel a million miles away, this gem offers beauty, serenity, and value. Grab your piece of the pie before the rest of the world finds out about this ideal location,' says Novak. According to Redfin, home prices have actually gone down 15.3 percent over the last year, with a current median sale price of $322,500. The lake may be one of the biggest draws, but the region also has plenty of other ways to spend your time, from golfing and hiking to apple picking, wine tasting, and snowshoeing. A young boy jumping into Canandaigua Lake in New York State.'The Finger Lakes are another option for those who cannot afford a house in the Hamptons. This up-and-coming vacation spot is ripe for increased value and offers the same summertime lifestyle you get in Montauk,' says Novak. 'Although some of these homes are expensive, many are still affordable.' She recommends buying now, 'before the market shifts and too many others discover this lakefront paradise.' There are 11 lakes in total in the region, so you'll have to do some on-the-ground research to see which one is your favorite. If you like water sports, though, take a look at properties around Keuka Lake. If you're fond of charming small towns, swing through Watkins Glen on Seneca Lake. Autumn foliage around Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images 'Lake Winnipesaukee has high demand for vacation rentals in the area, with an average yearly revenue per listing of $50,000,' says Brinkman. 'It also has a strong average booked rate of $366/night and an average yearly occupancy of 38 percent.' If you're not overly concerned with budget, consider starting your real estate search in Wolfeboro, one of Travel + Leisure 's best small towns in America in 2023. The resort town is tailor-made for those who want to experience a classic New England summer; there are waterfront concerts, convenient walking trails, farmers' markets, and endless ways to enjoy the lake. A gazebo on the waters of Lake Killarney in Winter Park, Florida. Winter Park may not be on the coast of Florida, but it still has excellent waterfront properties to choose from along the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. 'The six lakes on the chain are connected by beautiful canals, and if you compare our waterfront pricing to any waterfronts in South Florida (Naples/Palm Beach/Miami, etc.) it's a steal,' says John Pinel, a realtor and global real estate advisor at Premier Sotheby's International Realty. 'Historically, the values have increased over time and been insulated in 'tougher markets,''' he adds, sharing that Central Florida has been 'an easier market for homeowners' insurance compared to coastal areas.' Fall foliage around Saranac Lake in New York. DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images 'Saranac Lake abuts the Adirondack Mountains, providing a breathtaking backdrop for this lakefront hot spot close to historic downtown. If you desire a laid-back lifestyle, this is the place with scenic views and plenty to do—boating, mountain biking, hiking, etc.,' says Novak. 'Right now, the median listing price for a home on Saranac Lake is only $264,598,' she adds, noting that 'those prices will not last with the real estate market climbing.' (Note: Zillow estimates a slightly higher average home value of $314,221.) One of the best small towns in New York, Saranac Lake also has a charming Main Street, lots of local boutiques and art galleries, and easy access to all sorts of outdoor activities. A lighthouse on the coast of Lake you live in certain parts of California, Nevada, or Arizona, investing in a lakefront property on Lake Havasu might be a good financial move. 'Lake Havasu boasts a strong average booked rate of $246/night and an average yearly revenue per listing of $32,000. It has an appeal as a year-round destination, and maintains a 36 percent average yearly occupancy,' says Brinkman. Home prices have decreased slightly in the last year—Zillow calculates the average home price in Lake Havasu City is just over $473,000—and the area's appeal is multi-fold. It's great for retirees, remote workers, and anyone who just wants a bit of respite from the powerful Arizona sun.
