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Husband leaned in close, looked directly into my eyes and said, “You’re the CWO – the Chief Worry Officer.”
I smiled, well, smirked, back. He was right. In fact, my mind these days is consumed with worry.
Is it unhealthy for Daughter to live on Gogurt? Is she getting enough fruits and vegetables? Are three Max and Ruby’s a day too much? Should I have put her in camp instead of hiring a mother’s helper? She’s sunburned under her eyes! Will she have wrinkles at thirty?
Tags: beach, motherhood, preschoolers, summer vacation
Last week we went to the Jersey shore for a family vacation. When I was growing up, my family visited Stone Harbor, NJ every summer and Husband and I decided to try this great family spot with the kids.
It was a big hit with a great combination of kids oriented activities such as riding waves, bicycling on flat streets with well marked bike lanes, playgrounds and, of course, a popular homemade ice cream shop.
What our vacation lacked was any planned, organized children’s activities run by other people. What it offered was the opportunity for Son and Daughter to stretch their perceptions of themselves. And ours as well.
Tags: beach, beach vacation, beach with kids, vacation
Awhile ago I wrote about traveling with toddlers. Well, as our kids have grown, it’s become easier and I’ve learned a few new tricks. Last week, I flew to Florida with Son (5) and Daughter (2) without Husband. While the vacation itself was kind of lame (we all got sick) the flying part went very well. Here’s what worked:
Last weekend, Husband and I went away without the kids for the first time since Son was born 4 1/2 years ago. It was divine. Napping, bicycling, and dining without a care about racing home to relieve the babysitter. Husband’s Mother flew up from Florida to take care of Son and Daughter. Our trip was long overdue but let’s face it - it’s hard to leave your kids and often harder to fine someone you trust to care for them. We’re lucky that Grandma is willing and able to care for her grandkids (for four days! - Okay, it was a long weekend away.) The kids were happy. We were happy.
The truth is:
1. It’s easier to leave the kids for a day or more when they’re older than infants and you have more than one. You don’t spend the entire weekend worrying and feeling guilty (although we couldn’t escape discussing them quite a bit).
2. It’s good to have enough time and space to look at your family and home from a broader view and do some long range planning.
With children under five around the house, we’re so busy simply getting through each day, there’s rarely time for bigger discussions. A weekend away restored our balance. I hope you have the opportunity to get away soon, too.
Last weekend we traveled up to Boston to visit family and had our first stress free travel morning. Some background. Since C. was born nearly four years ago, we’ve been learning how to travel with a young child - and a couple years later - two young children. You all know… it’s not easy. The “cost of entry” (as I like to call it) for an overnight is the same as for a two week vacation. You need a lot of gear. Without fail, we forget a crucial piece such as the monitor, crib sheet, white noise, or this time, C.’s winter jacket. Without fail, we manage to survive.
The hardest part of our stressful departure morning, however, is not gathering all the gear, per se. It’s that my husband and I are usually ready to kill each other by the time we leave (for this long awaited trip or vacation.) We know why it’s stressful to get out of the house with two young kids and all the gear, we laugh about it (later), but until this weekend, we couldn’t seem to make it go more smoothly.
So, here’s what worked this time. First, and I think most important, I packed for the kids and myself the day before and laid out our travel clothes. This gave me relaxed, adequate time to think about what we’d need (well, except the missing winter coat) and even made for a fun activity as the children got excited to visit their aunt and cousin. Next, I made a list of the gear we’d need to put in the car the next morning (this usually falls to my husband). This list also included last minute critical items such as “blankie.”
The next morning was so enjoyable we felt like we were already on vacation. I didn’t have to worry about what to pack for myself (which I usually leave until the last minute even if I pack the kids ahead of time) and could shower and get dressed in a much shorter period. And, to top it off, instead of trying to keep the kids from watching much TV since they would watch movies on the portable DVD during the long drive, I suggested they watch TV while we get ready. This was huge. It’s very difficult to take time out to pack or get ready, clean up and check lights, heat, etc. in the house when the kids are running around excited to leave. One of my smarter moves (you’ve probably been doing this all along…)
So, in summary, here are some tips for a less stressful departure on your next trip with young kids:
Longer trips (to condos, hotels, etc.)
Anything else? Submit a comment if you have more ideas.
Happy Travels!