Summertime brings family vacations, so let’s make them fun! My favorite recent quote comes from Claire on Modern Family “I’m a mom traveling with my kids. For me, this is not a vacation. It’s a business trip.” Having the right mindset can make all the difference. First, this is not a vacation for you, it’s a FAMILY vacation. This means the goal is for everyone to have a good time, not for the parents to get a break.
SET EXPECTATIONS: What is the purpose of the vacation? Relax? Sight Seeing? Make sure everyone knows the plan. Choose activities that are fun for everyone.
PACKING: Everyone gets their own bag – don’t pack the kids in your bag. Keep your suitcase for your clothes and travel items. Pick the size luggage that you can handle hauling around and fit all of your stuff into that. Don’t pick your luggage based on how much stuff you want to bring. Have your child identify a few items that they cannot live without (like that special blanket or stuffed animal). Then pack a few other things like books and small toys to keep them occupied during down time. Be careful about bringing anything that can’t be replace as things do get lost/left behing.
AIRPLANE BAGS: Each of my children has their own backpack to bring on the plane. Inside those backpacks you will find coloring books, crayons, leapster, snacks, a drink, books, action figures, hot wheels, princesses, and ponies. In my backpack you will find a dvd player, treats, and changes of clothes in addition to my Ipod, book, and DS. For our trip this year I splurged and bought each of the kids new headphones, Toy Story and Disney Princess.
DURING THE TRIP: Decide up front if you are going to try to keep the kids on schedule for things like meal times, naps, and bed times. We go with the flow on vacation, but try to maintain a decent bed time. Overtired, cranky kids are no fun for anyone so be realistic about how much you are squeezing into a day. Always have tons of snacks with you and a change of clothes for everyone, not just the kids (you never know when your child’s food or drink will end up spilled all over you!)
RELAX: It is vacation!
We are doing a beach style vacation this year so our challenge will be keeping the kids entertained without many activities planned. Luckily they both love the water so I see a lot of pool and sand time happening. But we will need more than two beach chairs!
Tags: family vacation, travel, vacation
