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Spread out the blanket for a family picnic. It's an ideal setting
for your kick-off planning discussion. Here are suggestions to get
the conversation heading in the right direction.
- "What special things would you like to do on our
vacation?" Kids' expectations and interests need
to be part of your planning. They, like you, will look forward
to a vacation where they can do things they enjoy.
Don't demand a specific "to do" list from kids. They
may change their minds about what they want to do once they check
out these spots in person. What's important is that your children
know their enjoyment is a big focus of your vacation planning.
- "What do you want to eat on vacation?"
In case you've forgotten, food is always a big deal to kids. If
kids won't have access to their favorite foods on vacation, you
could be in big trouble. Assuring them that they'll visit familiar
franchise restaurants will alleviate their apprehension. You may
want to consider accommodations that feature kitchenettes. And
bringing your own food on the road can save you from "there's
nothing on this menu that I like" episodes.
Don't expect your kids to sample the "native cuisine"
merely because you think it would be educational. Loosen up your
healthy eating rules! Indulging in a little junk food/comfort
food won't hurt them.
- "How should we find out more about where we're
going?" Encouraging your children to join in the
researching of vacation destinations and travel routes makes them
feel like important members of the "family planning team."
Use as many resources as possible to trigger your planning discussions:
- Maps. Kids can help you highlight your
route and pencil-in your pit stops.
- Travel videos. Many libraries and travel
agencies stock them.
- Travel books and brochures. Look for picture
books about traveling for your younger kids. Family-focused
travel guides, like Fodor's Around the City With Kids series,
are helpful.
- The Internet. Your kids can help you find
travel websites.
The more that your kids research and discover, the more it
becomes their vacation.
- "What do you think you'll remember as the best
times of our vacation?" You might call this uncommon
technique "remembering your future." It encourages people
to focus, in detail, on the best possible things that could happen
at a time in the future. If they can imagine and articulate these
projected memories, it increases the chances that they'll make
them come true. And there's an added benefit: This technique can
help you spare your children the disappointment of unrealistic
expectations.
Copyright © 2005 Family Vacation Ideas Information. Send comments here.
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