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Secrets to Traveling with Children Gail Morris First and foremost remember that this vacation is for YOU! You plan it and decide where you are going. There are considerations you’ll want to include, such as: do you want to sightsee or do the beach? Cruise or hike? Theme parks or camper park? Secondly, and probably most importantly, know what to expect. Remember that the care-giving responsibilities you have when you are at home won’t magically disappear when you go on vacation. There will still be the standard “work” tasks of bathing, dressing, feeding, and running after children. One thing to agree upon before leaving is the split of duties between traveling partners so that there aren’t surprises once you are gone. When you consider a split of duties don’t forget to include the older children. Our 8-year-old loves helping with his younger sister and the truth be told, not only does he not mind helping, it makes him feel needed and “older”. Thirdly, plan for help during the trip if you feel you may need it. For some people spending 100% of their time with the children is heaven sent. For others, a much-needed respite once or twice during a weeklong trip is just what the doctor ordered for a refreshing holiday. Investigate nanny services and interview them before traveling to the area. Do you feel uncomfortable leaving the children with a qualified stranger? Brainstorm with your travel companion about how to address this issue. Is there family available where you are traveling, or maybe family of friends? Fourthly, understand that you may have to lose spontaneity, especially with younger children. However, you’ll gain more from seeing your destination through the eyes of your children. Spontaneity probably disappeared after the birth of your first child but that shouldn’t make your vacation boring and predictable. Expect glitches and roll with the punches. It’s the glitches that make for great stories and laughter when you return home. Finally, it’s important to keep in mind some travel elements as you take to the Rocky Mountains, the streets of New York or the museums. Children are veritable sponges, absorbing information, even when you can’t believe they’ve heard a word you’ve said! The world is their classroom. As a homeschool mom to four beautiful children I can assure you that incorporating learning into vacation isn’t nearly as scary or overwhelming as you might think. Traveling is one of the best ways to enhance your child’s education. It’s hands on, it’s visual, it’s auditory, and kinesthetic (touchy/feely) – all at the same time. Children will absorb much more information than you might think, even when they are complaining loudest. And best of all, you don’t have to travel to exotic places or spend a lot of money for children to enjoy themselves. Another secret I learned is that by traveling with our children (and not for our children) we opened up a whole new world for them. Their imaginations took over while experiencing new topographies, histories, climates and cultures. It made learning “real” to them and showed up for months in their reading interests and reports. Our children also learn to handle glitches in our travel plans by watching and learning from us. When we hit the inevitable traffic jam on the highway or our flights are delayed do we throw a fit or sit back patiently and make lemonade from lemons? Can we laugh in the face of adversity and keep going or do we angrily pout and make everyone around us miserable? How we handle ourselves is a clue as to how our children will also handle themselves. Happy travels! Gail Morris is the mother of four children with an extensive pediatric medical background. Her ideas are time tested and mother approved! If you want more information (printable games, checklists, emergency information, budget travel) or would like her semi-monthly free newsletter, Your Family Resources, visit http://www.YourEzBooks.com. Comments
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