As an only child, I've been on many trips with my parents. Traveling one-on-one with each changed how I see them.
An only child reflects on how taking solo trips with each of her parents allowed her to see them as individuals rather than just as a parental unit. These experiences fostered deeper connections and allowed the author to appreciate her parents' unique interests outside of their family roles.
Why it matters
This personal narrative explores the psychological benefits of redefining family dynamics through shared experiences and individual exploration.
The author, an only child, has been on many trips with both of her parents. Recently, she took solo trips with each of them and got to see a new side of each. Courtesy of Hayley Domin. I'm very close with both of my parents, and we have traveled together many times. I took solo trips with each of them and got to see them outside of their Mom and Dad titles. I loved getting to see them as individuals and connect over their own unique interests. As an only child , I really lucked out. My parents have always been there for me, not just as role models, but as friends, too. Growing up, our family trips were always just the three of us, so I always saw my mom and dad as a unit.
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