Episode 210: Vacationing With Teens – How to Stay Connected with Parenting Coach Janine Mushwar

Vacationing with teens can be magical—or maddening. In this episode, Rob talks with parenting coach Janine Mushwar about how to move from conflict to connection with your teenager, both at home and while traveling. If you’ve ever felt your teen slipping away, or if vacations bring out more eye-rolls than smiles, this conversation is for you.

Janine shares her own journey as a mom of three very different kids and the parenting shifts she had to make when rewards, punishments, and “the old ways” stopped working. Now, as a parenting coach, she helps families find practical strategies to reduce conflict, strengthen communication, and make family trips less stressful and more meaningful.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why vacations with teens can be both magical and challenging
• The importance of shifting your parenting approach during the teenage years
• How to balance teens’ independence with family togetherness on trips
• Tools to de-escalate conflict in the moment (without turning the trip into a battle)
• Why involving teens in the planning process makes a huge difference
• Ways travel can strengthen connection during family transitions—like divorce, blending families, or big moves
• Simple but powerful mindset shifts that help parents prioritize connection over chasing a “perfect” trip

About Our Guest

Janine Mushwar is a parenting coach who helps moms and dads move from conflict to connection with their teens. Drawing on her own experience raising three children and supporting hundreds of families, Janine provides practical, compassionate strategies that help parents build stronger relationships with their kids. Learn more at JanineMushwar.com and check out her short, actionable videos on YouTube.

Resources & Links

• Visit Janine’s website: JanineMushwar.com
• Follow Janine on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube (@JanineMushwar)
• Connect with The Family Vacationer on Instagram and Substack

Don’t Miss

Stay tuned for Rob’s upcoming book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, coming soon! Plus, we’re headed toward our 200th episode—with some fun surprises along the way.

Exploring Dollywood: Rides, Shows, and Appalachian Heritage

Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood has earned its place as one of the top theme parks in the country—and for good reason. In this episode of The Family Vacationer, Rob sits down with Wes Ray, Vice President of Marketing for Dollywood Parks and Resorts, to explore what makes this destination so special for families.

From thrilling rides like Big Bear Mountain and Dragonflier, to award-winning entertainment, Appalachian-inspired dining, and the warm hospitality that Dolly Parton herself has infused into the park, Dollywood offers something for every member of the family. You’ll also hear how guest feedback has shaped everything from wider pathways to new resort offerings, and why Dollywood consistently ranks as a #1 theme park on TripAdvisor.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The fascinating history of Dollywood and its deep ties to Appalachian culture

Family-friendly rides designed with all ages in mind

New additions like Wildwood Grove and Big Bear Mountain

Dolly Parton’s direct influence on the park’s design and guest experience

Insider tips for making the most of your visit—whether you’re coming for a day or a week

What’s next for Dollywood, from resorts to new attractions

Dollywood isn’t just a theme park—it’s a celebration of heritage, hospitality, and family fun. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fiftieth, this episode will inspire your next Smoky Mountain getaway.

Dollywood

Dreammore Resort

Heartsong Resort

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Family Vacationer on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on Instagram and Substack for even more family travel tips and inspiration.

Be on the lookout for Rob's first book, "The Family Vacationer: A Parent's Guide to Meaningful Travel." Coming soon!!

Remember folks to keep your passports and your hearts open.

Safe travels, everyone.

Regenerative Travel for Families with Kirsten Ovstaas

If you’ve ever wondered how your family vacations could give back to the places you visit, this episode is for you. In Episode 190 of The Family Vacationer, Rob sits down with regenerative travel advocate Kirsten Ovstaas to explore how families can make travel not just sustainable—but regenerative.

Regenerative travel goes beyond reducing your footprint. It’s about restoring, replenishing, and leaving a destination better than you found it. Kirsten shares practical ways families can start small, engage with local communities, and make their vacations a force for good.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The difference between sustainable and regenerative travel

Why regenerative practices matter for families and kids

Simple first steps—like beach cleans and local dining—that any family can do

Examples of destinations offering regenerative experiences (Hawaii, British Columbia, Copenhagen, and more)

How to research and choose businesses that truly benefit local communities

Common misconceptions about regenerative travel (and why they’re wrong)

How regenerative travel can inspire kids and shape their future values

Travel memories are some of the most powerful a family can create. Imagine adding the joy of knowing your trip left a positive mark on the world. This conversation will inspire you to rethink your travel habits and embrace new ways to connect, give back, and grow together as a family.

👉 Learn more about Kirsten’s work and ReBC (Regenerative Travel British Columbia) at ReBCTravel.ca or follow them on Instagram at @ReBCTravel.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Family Vacationer and connect with us on Instagram and Substack for more family travel inspiration.

Remember folks to keep your passports and your hearts open.

Safe travels, everyone.