3 Ways to Survive the Vacations with Kids
3 Ways to Survive the Vacations with Kids
No matter what time of year there is always a vacation not far away. Whether you are staying at home or visiting further afield, vacations with kids can become a dangerous battle zone.
Even the most devoted of parents and adoring of kids can ruffle feathers and test tempers if they are not used to spending large amounts of time together. Vacations call for parents and kids to adapt to being in each others company. It is in fact, a fantastic opportunity for you to re-engage with each other, to re-discover who you both are; something that can easily be lost in the noise of everyday life. Do you know what they really think? How they have changed in the last six months? How do they really feel about themselves? Is their self esteem in good shape? You get the idea.
How can you be sure you were getting the whole picture during the drive to school everyday, or at dinner times, or even at the weekends in between seeing friends and family and other activities? You get the picture.
I mentioned that vacations with kids called for the need to adapt, to change the way you as a parent handle the kids. Let me explain, a vacation provides the environment for children regardless of age, to just.... be. It also allows you to just....be! Maximise on this fully by following these guidelines.
*Down Time - Allow for as much unstructured and free down time as possible with your kids. Don't be afraid of the boredom monster, only when it attacks will the imagination fight back and free the creative spirit!
Beware the Busy Bug - This bug is the destroyer of down time. It eats away at it slowly but surely. You're there with your kids but you're not really THERE. You are actually checking your emails, catching up on chores etc. They know this and will consequently find equally unimaginative things to do, computer, arguing, etc. It takes a little practice to really be there in the moment with them but it's worth it and you'll all be amazed at what you can create together, be it drawing in the sand on the beach or building an assault course in the back yard!
*Get Down Time - You're in the same place and now you should be in the same moment but are you on the same level?
See things from their perspective physically, even if that means crawling around on your hands and knees! By doing this you will create a physical connection which will make it easier for you to see how things are for them on a mental level. Unlike them, you have the maturity to reach down to that level, remember and relive being a kid again whilst maintaining your sense of responsibility. They will in turn see you as less of an alien and more of a trusted ally. Don't just build the assault course with them, do the assault course!
*Get Positive - No is probably the most over used word on planet parent and the more you say it the less they listen! It is widely accepted that this over use can cause long term self esteem and achievement issues, not to mention the short term tantrums and arguments. Now obviously you can't always say yes, or can you?
Here are some examples to illustrate this point.
'Can I play out on my own?'...... 'Yes, when you're bigger/older'
'Can I have an ice cream?'....... 'Yes, when you're friend comes tomorrow'
Get the idea, they will accept this style more easily because essentially they just want to hear the positive even if it's deferred to a later date. Try using positive words wherever you would normally use the negative and get them doing it too.
Vacations with kids is an ideal time to practice these new habits and build better and stronger connections with them, whilst also having a great, stress free vacation. Once back at school, improved communications and understanding should make this more hectic time much more pleasant for you all. Like all good practices it will require some effort and patience but the rewards are great, consider putting up notes or posters around your house to remind you and your kids.
These are just three tips to get you and your kids re-engaging with each other this vacation
On the television broadcast control room's security policy - security management, broadcast control room and television - broadcasting industr Why A Child Car Seat Is One Of Essential Baby Product To Acquire On Your Child Offline Data Entry Services - Surely Affordable To Your Business What Are The Different Uses For Car Tarps Troubleshooting Your Club Car Golf Cart Gas Engines: Breif Report Kenya Vacations Affording An In-vitro Fertilization Treatment With Five Realistic Tips VA Benefits Set To Increase For Disabled Veterans Vehicle/Mobility Grants Update Your Onsite Search Engine Optimisation For Higher Rankings The Benefits of Charter Bus Rentals Troubleshoot Your Club Car Golf Cart: Breif Report Volunteering abroad myths Bioleaching - Reprogramming Car Keys - Laser Key Cutting Machine