When your poolside snack is interrupted by a surprise guest (and no one knows who’s more startled)

In a now-viral TikTok with over 14.6 million views, mom @ellamcconkey the reality of traveling with young kids. It’s the reminder every parent needs before their next trip—because no matter how well you plan, something hilarious (or chaotic) is always around the corner.

The video starts off peaceful: a toddler, fresh from a swim, quietly enjoying her fries—until a lizard scurries into frame. Neither saw it coming.

The video’s caption reads, “God forbid a girl tries to eat her french fries in peace on vaca,” and the text overlay drives it home: “Lunch by the pool is fun until it’s not.” The little girl’s split-second reaction—an honest mix of confusion, fear, and restraint—has viewers both laughing and impressed:

• “They were both scared 😭🤣,” wrote @Laririri.
• “The lizard: where’s the ketchup,” joked @Amanda Franchi.
• And @amy bloom nailed the vibe: “He was eating so politely too lol.”

@ellamcconkey

God forbid a girl tries to eat her french fries in peace on vaca

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Because traveling with kids never goes exactly to plan

Whether you’re road-tripping with a baby or wrangling toddlers through TSA, every parent knows: the memories you make on vacation aren’t always the ones you planned.

Sometimes they show up in the form of a lizard.

Or a diaper blowout just as the plane starts to taxi.

Or a beloved stuffed animal accidentally left behind at the last hotel.

The moments that stick often aren’t on the itinerary. They’re the tiny plot twists that turn into stories your family tells for years.

Related: Toddler gives viral crumpet order—and mom’s calm response wins the internet

The tiny surprises that shape kids (and parents)

Emotional resilience often begins in small, unexpected situations, like a sudden burst of fear met with reassurance or a surprise encounter at the lunch table. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), moments like these help children build the confidence and coping skills they’ll rely on as they grow.

How adults respond matters too. A calm presence, a quick laugh, or a reassuring hug can help kids feel safe enough to move through the moment. Even retelling the story later, when everyone is dry and eating fries again, can turn a brief disruption into a shared memory.

Related: Toddler picks up mom’s nickname for dad… and won’t stop using it

The memories you don’t plan, but never forget

You might forget the timeline, the meltdown in the rental car lot, or why you ever thought a museum was a good idea.

But someone will remember the fries.

Someone will remember the chaos.

And someone will definitely remember the toddler who just wanted to eat in peace, and got a side of drama instead.

Because when you’re traveling with kids, the best stories tend to sneak up on you—messy, hilarious, and completely unforgettable.What’s the wildest thing that’s happened on a family trip? Tag @motherly on Instagram—we’d love to feature your story!