Last year, we spent a month abroad on a long trip. When we returned, most parents asked us: Did you survive??
Not an unreasonable question – vacations with kids can often feel like the exact opposite of a vacation.
Yes, traveling with kids is challenging, but there's much we can do in advance to make it easier. Not just to survive, but to actually enjoy 😊.
Prepare for Challenges and Tell Yourself: "I Can Handle This"!
Family vacations can be overwhelming for kids. Schedule changes, new sleeping arrangements, unfamiliar food, and new surroundings can make kids feel out of control, leading to outbursts and #tantrums. To prepare in advance, I remind myself: "There will be challenges/tantrums" and – "I can handle it!" It's also good to talk to your partner in advance so you can handle it together.
Prepare the Kids for Changes:
For example, if I know my child is picky with new food, I say: "What will you do if you're offered food you don't like?", Or for a child who struggles with crowds: "What will you do when we're in line for the rides?" Children often find it hard to deal with big emotions. Preparing them in advance helps them experience the feeling without being surprised by it.
Remember Your Role:
The child's role is to feel, learn, and express... they'll do their part. Our role as parents includes two tasks: setting boundaries and showing empathy - Boundaries keep children safe, and empathy allows us to see their feelings as real even if we don't agree with them. If we're waiting in line for security at the airport and the child starts to lose patience, I say: "It's really not fun to wait here so long. I see you're losing patience, I won't let you kick your brother. Let's find something to do. I know you can handle this."
Bending the Rules and Saying "Yes" Isn't a Bad Thing 😊:
Give yourself permission to take breaks, be flexible with boundaries, and even give the child ice cream to stop an outburst or let them stay up late. Yes, this isn't something you'd do at home, but give yourself some breathing room.
In Conclusion:
Vacations with kids are a challenge, but they are also an amazing opportunity to create magical and family memories. With a little preparation and a lot of love, we can make every moment special.
family vacations
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