Come closer and look deep into my eyes.  I know, in your heart, you’re trying your best to be the most awesome parent on earth.  You’re planning to take your family to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or on a Disney cruise.  You want this trip to be the most epic, happily remembered childhood event in the history of forever…so you turn to Pinterest for the best advice on how to make these parental dreams a reality.  CUT THAT OUT!!!

Pinterest Can Ruin Your Disney Vacation

I’m well acquainted with the perils of Pinterest and I’ve been virtually hypnotized by all the things there for hours on end.  I love pinning recipes, crafts, home projects, fashion, hairstyles, and Disney stuff…lots of Disney stuff.  See, here’s the thing.  It’s like there are stages of Pinterest obsession.  First, I search and start browsing pins.  Man! Some folks are so incredibly creative!  Next I start getting excited by all the ideas – whoa!  The ideas!  Countdown calendars, party favors, tie-dyed tee shirts, painted shoes, hand printed invitations, Disney resort room decorations – what wonders!  Then I’m making shopping lists for supplies and envisioning the loving, delighted expressions on my family’s faces as I ultimately unveil the finished products.  Then?  After much time and money has been invested…I may end up with crushing disappointment.  Not always, but sometimes, and I’ve learned from my mistakes.  I’ll share these valuable Pinterest lessons with you now.

Get Pin-spired.  It’s often not feasible to exactly duplicate an idea I find.  My best bet is to have a general vision of what I’m going after before I begin my Pinterest search.  Then I can look at the big picture, if you will, and see how other people did similar projects.  I’ll alter, scale back, adjust as necessary – it’s actually better if I get a general idea and don’t try to precisely reproduce what I find.  As a source of inspiration, Pinterest is fantastic!

Be Realistic.  Seriously, this one’s important.  Some perfectly lovely ideas are too expensive, too time consuming, and require artistic ability I do not possess.  Accept your limitations and respect your resources.

Remain Guilt-Free.  If Pinterest starts to make me feel guilty over what I’m NOT able (or willing) to do for my family, it’s time to step away from the computer.  I have a full-time job and demanding (but rewarding) hobbies.  I have children who, while grown, still take up a lot of my time – and I love every minute we get to spend together.  I have the most understanding husband in the world and the best furry friend a person could ask for –  they all deserve the best me I have to offer.  Not a stressed out, guilt-ridden, exhausted mom or wife who takes on more than she can handle by attempting complicated and expensive craft projects because those other moms and wives (I’ve never even met!) seem to effortlessly provide such wonders to their own families.  Get over it.

What Your Family Doesn’t Know Can’t Hurt You.  I’m positive my family is not searching Pinterest so they can see what I’m NOT doing.  They’re not looking for projects to suggest to me.  They’re certainly unaware of the extra-fancy, extravagant Disney-themed vacation crafts we won’t be enjoying on our next adventure.  Let it go…nobody will notice.

I’ve preached it before and I’ll keep repeating it – YOU are enough.  Bring your A-game of living in the moment while being relaxed and happy and present for your family on your next Disney vacation.  That’s what we want them to remember.  Fancy countdown calendars and DIY matching tee-shirts do not make or break a trip.  I promise.

Check out these Pinterest fails for a good laugh.  And, for the love of all that is holy, do not attempt homemade cake-pops!!!  Trust me on this one.  And thanks for stopping by.