Momma Sandy Says - Kids and Vacation

Momma Sandy Says

Kids and Vacation

   First off, I want to apologize for the delay on this.  Life happens...

Taking your children on vacation with you can be wonderful.  It can be hell.  And often, it can be somewhere in between.  In my opinion, pre-planning is a big key.  And training your children to be good travelers.

   I can hear the question now - at what age can I take my kids with me?  The answer is:  with proper planning, at almost any age.  I will state that I am not a fan of taking newborns and very young babies on trips.  At that age they require a lot of attention.  And are more vulnerable to disease.  They like routine and travel is usually anything but.  I understand the need to take the new baby to visit relatives who cannon come to you, but much more planning needs to happen.  And you need to understand that this is not really a vacation for you.

Side note:  Babies and altitude.  Remember when you were on an airplane and a baby started crying soon after take off and it took forever for the parents to settle that kid down?  Well, if you're flying with a baby, that could be you.  The most common cause for this is the atmospheric changes, especially on take off and landings.  That you can do something about.  The key is to have a bottle ready.  As soon as take off starts, give the baby the bottle (or breast).  Swallowing will help their inner ears adjust to the pressure differences.  Usually they cry because their ears hurt.  You can encourage small children to swallow with a small snack and water during take offs and landing.  You're welcome.

   As I stated in the beginning, pre-planning is really important.  By this I don't mean planning every second of the vacation.  Micromanaging is not often conducive to a good vacation.  What I'm talking about is researching and thinking about options well ahead of time.  What are potential problems?

   Here's a radical idea - what about including the entire family in the vacation planning?  Of course, age and maturity is a factor in this.  Let's look at what I'm talking about.  A family conference is called, maybe after recovering from the last vacation.  After a quick discussion of what worked and didn't (and why) from the last vacation, open the floor to suggestions for the next family trip.  You might be surprised what your kids come up with.  Write down all the ideas.  

   As parents, your job is to research the initial costs of each idea.  Do not immediately throw out any idea of your children.  A trip to Antarctica does sound cool, but the cost and time required will get it removed from the list at the next family meeting.  Don't forget to put in your own ideas as well.

  At the next family meeting, start by reminding the family that they only have x days to be away.  So while a road trip to every Cedar Fair theme park in North America does sound like fun, there's just not enough time.  However, visiting one of the parks may be possible with another idea.  Then remind the family that there is a travel budget.  If the travel costs alone are more than Y, then  it needs to not happen this year.

   What ideas are left?  Is it possible to combine some of the ideas?   Could you combine a road trip to historic sites with visiting family and a theme park or two?  At this point two things should be happening.  There should be some excitement happening, and there should be some clean favorites.

  If there is no clear favorite choice, time to research.  You should have a pretty good idea what each of your children would most like to do on a vacation.  What options for these are available for each choice?  The older, more computer literate children can start to research what there is to do with each choice.  Even younger ones can be involved (with help).  Guide books, either bought or from the library can be looked at.  Also, some libraries will have children's books about specific cities and states.

   Talk to your children about housing options.  Do they want to camp?  Stay with relatives? Motels?  Some combination of the above?  What about a few days at a resort or dude ranch?

   The important thing is that your entire family is invested in this vacation.  It's not just mom and dad deciding everything.  Your children should be willing to compromise (especially if you've already taught them this important negotiating skill).  They will probably be willing to visit Great Aunt Gertie if it means they get to go to the super huge comic book store in the next town.  Or whatever makes them happy.  

   So you have struck decision.  Is it time to make reservations yet?  Almost.  Have you researched how you're getting there yet?  Flying is faster for distances (and necessary for overseas), but also expensive and restrictive.  I'll give you my tips for flying with children later.  A road trip can be the way to go., but remember to not plan on too many hours driving per day.  Remember, all of you have to survive this!  What about a train trip?

   And where to stay?  Start mapping out the days.  Remember, A plan is just a place to start deviations from.  If you plan on doing any camping, make a note to list the camping gear needed.  Visiting family?  Remember, this is family.  Sometimes you will need to stay with them.  Sometimes it's best to not impose and rent a motel room (or 2).  Talk to your family well ahead of time.  It's rather embarrassing to show up to find them gone (been there, done that).

   Now it's time to start making reservations.  Do you need to make reservations for camping?  Any ferry rides?  Any special events?  Start making lists.  Have your kids make lists too.  This is a family adventure!

Next week I'll do into more detail, especially about things to do and to watch out for with kids of varying ages.