Episode 127: Beating the Post-Vacation Blues with Dr. Emily King
Tips to help your child transition back from vacation without the meltdowns
Hosts: Rob and Danny
Guest: Dr. Emily King, child psychologist and parenting expert
Ever feel that emotional crash after an amazing vacation? You’re not alone—and your kids might feel it even more intensely. In this episode of The Family Vacationer, we’re joined for the third time by child psychologist Dr. Emily King, who breaks down the emotional rollercoaster that can follow a family trip, especially for neurodivergent children.
Dr. Emily shares how to recognize signs of post-vacation dysregulation, why coming back from places like Disney can be especially tough, and what you can do as a parent to help your kids (and yourself) ease back into everyday life. From making memory books to allowing enough transition time, she offers practical, compassionate advice grounded in real-life parenting.
In this episode, we cover:
- What post-vacation letdown looks like in neurodivergent vs. neurotypical kids
- Why emotional rest is just as important as physical rest after travel
- Tools and routines to help ease kids back into daily life
- The power of visual memory aids like scrapbooks and photo books
- How to respond calmly to emotional dysregulation—even when you’re tired too
- Why delaying discipline can be more effective than reacting in the moment
Whether you’re road-tripping home or just trying to unpack without a meltdown, this episode is packed with strategies that will help you keep the vacation glow alive a little longer.
Resources Mentioned:
Learn more about Dr. Emily King’s parenting course and teacher trainings at www.learnwithdremily.com
Follow her on Instagram and Facebook for more helpful insights.
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Next week: We’re talking with Jay Minna about how to prioritize family vacations even when work life gets hectic.
The Family Vacationer
The Family Vacationer is a weekly podcast helping families travel smarter, spend better, and create lasting memories together. Hosted by Rob and Traci, the show features expert interviews, real-life stories, and practical tips for planning meaningful, family-first adventures. From hidden gems to budget hacks, it's a must-listen for parents who want stress-free, joy-filled travel.
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
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