15. QUICK RESET: He wants the Maldives but we can't even manage the park

If your partner’s dreaming of overseas holidays while you’re barely surviving the playground — this episode is for you. This Quick Reset is a brutally honest look at what 'holiday' means when you’re the default parent, the nervous system regulator, and the one who never actually gets to rest. If your body flinches at the word “vacation” because it remembers meltdowns, sleepless nights, and judgmental relatives — you’re not alone. Jane unpacks the invisible trauma of parenting while travelling, why holidays can feel like executive function overload, and how memory, shame, and nervous system trauma shape our future planning. You’ll laugh, cry, and probably cancel the family road trip — but you’ll feel deeply seen. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: The five-step emotional cycle of ‘family holidays’ Why past chaos makes your brain reject future hope The mental load of pretending you're relaxed Photo albums that trigger survival memories What to say when your partner doesn’t get it How to redefine rest when even leaving the house feels hard Naming nervous system trauma without shame Why opting out isn’t negative — it’s protective 💭 This episode is for you if:– You feel guilt for dreading holidays you’re “meant” to enjoy– You’ve walked into school term more tired than you left– You want to create memories, but not at the cost of your sanity 🔗 Resources & Links: Join the Facebook community: ADHD Mums FB Group More resources & tools: www.adhdmums.com.au/shop SCHOOL MINI SERIES: S1 E41: Camouflaging ADHD + Autistic Traits in Girls with Millie Carr | Spotify | Apple Podcast S3 E2: SCHOOL SERIES When School Becomes the Trauma — What No One Tells ADHD Parents | Spotify | Apple Podcast S3 E3: SCHOOL SERIES - Burnout Starts in the Classroom — And Follows Them Home | Spotify | Apple Podcast S3 E5: SCHOOL SERIES: Your Child Isn’t ‘Acting Out’ — They’re Burning Out | Spotify | Apple Podcast S3 E7: SCHOOL SERIES: The Great Gaslighting: When Schools Say We Don’t See It | Spotify | Apple Podcast S3 E9: SCHOOL SERIES -IEP Meetings Are Broken — Here’s What to Say Instead | Spotify | Apple Podcast S3 E11: SCHOOL SERIES: Reducing Stress Behaviours in the Classroom: Connection, Co-Regulation & Neuro-Aware Teaching | Spotify | Apple Podcast S3 E13: SCHOOL SERIES: When They Just Don’t Get It: Navigating School with Neurotypical Parents | Spotify | Apple Podcast JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format! FOLLOW FOR MORE: Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube LEAVE A REVIEW: Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together. COLLABS: For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at [email protected]. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here. 🧠 TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:holiday trauma, ADHD mums, parenting burnout, sensory overload, neurodivergent parenting, executive dysfunction, invisible load, travel shame, mental load, overstimulation, family expectations, gentle parenting realities, meltdown management, trauma-informed parenting, ADHD mum life, redefining rest, survival mode, vacation anxiety, co-regulation, parenting triggers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.