We've all been there. We remember the relaxing pre-parenthood vacations when we could lie on the beach with a book, and not have to keep our eyes glued to the water in case our kid decides it's time to take off the swim diaper and pee in the sand. The days when we could set the timer to tell us when it was time to roll over - so our backs could achieve that perfect tan - without being ready to pounce if our kid started a sand fight. Those were the days.
These days our pre-vacation time is spent frantically counting pairs of socks, and wondering how many snacks we can fit in our carry-on. But what about when we're on vacation? How do we keep our kids happy and still feel like we're actually having a vacation ourselves? Here are a few tips to get you started.
Prep Your Kids for Your Destination
As adults we learn about our travel destination as we plan, but don’t forget that your kids most likely aren’t reading the blog posts with you. Help get them involved and excited! Give them a preview of what to expect. If you have a globe at home show them where they're going. You can read books, discuss the major tourist attractions or coolest animals. You can also show them short videos of your destination. My kids love the National Geographic Kids videos. They aren't too long, but they're fun and informational - and my kids always immediately want to go to wherever those kids are. If they’re prepared they’ll be more excited, and then potentially less cranky and more involved during the course of your travels. Check out this one on Costa Rica!
(Ok - these are temporarily unavailable - I'm looking for new videos to prep kids - if anyone has any suggestions let me know!).
Plan to Let your Kids Run Around!
I made the mistake when my kids were younger of not actually finding places in advance where they could freely let their energy out. If you expect your kids to stand respectfully listening to a guide at Machu Picchu you need to also find a place where they can run around, be loud, and just generally be kids. Don’t think that just because they’re interested in something they don't need to release energy. My 9 year old loves crafting of any kind, and she’s interested in sewing and creating. However - if I planned a whole day of visiting craftspeople, and she had to stand around and listen - eventually she’d get bored and whiny. Then I’d get annoyed, and pretty soon we’re where you don’t want to be - two cranky people on vacation. Wherever you’re going make sure you find a space to let your kids be kids. It might be frustrating, but even though you may have meticulously planned out your time in Barcelona to be filled with amazing once in a lifetime cultural experiences, your child’s best memory might be playing kickball in the street. Let it happen - give your child that core memory. (You can always watch with a drink in hand).
Don’t Leave Stuffed Animals in the Bed - Ever
I can’t begin to count how many times I’ve read a story about a stuffed animal lost on vacation. And they’re *always* a favorite. Why? Because that’s what kids bring everywhere they go and what they sleep with! More often than not, these prized possessions are lost in the sheets. You're rushing around in the morning - kids are hungry, you need coffee - and you leave the puppy in the bed. Maybe you have an awesome housekeeping attendant who rescues the beloved friend, and gives them a place of honor on the beautifully made bed. OR - the in-a-rush housekeeping attendant misses BaBa Bunny, and it is wrapped up in the sheets and lost. Make it a habit to ALWAYS take the stuffed animals out of the bed, and put them in your suitcase before you leave the room in the morning. Not just on your travel days, but every day. Whenever we travel - I ask my kids about a hundred times “Where’s Lamby? Where’s Bunny? In your suitcases? Are you sure? Let’s check one more time.” My family may think I’m insane, but I would much rather be overcautious about it than deal with the loss of one of those treasured friends. You don't want any of your vacations to be remembered by your child as "the one I lost Teddy." Trust me on this one.
Comments