Erin Lane
posted in Mom Stories
We did it! We survived the drive up to New Hampshire and back and we’re all in one piece. (Lost? I wrote about planning our 15 hour road trip a few weeks ago.)
We had an amazing time. I knew we would once we actually GOT to our destination. It was just the getting there and getting home I was worried about.
The drive there was almost picture perfect – as much as a 15 hour ride in a car can be. We left our house at 6:45 p.m. after we’d all eaten dinner and both kids were asleep by 9:30. My sister took the first shift, my mom took the second and my husband took the third. (How I got out of driving on this leg I have no idea. Lucky me!)
In New Hampshire, we swam, explored, canoed, played games, ate good food and simply had quality family time.
The drive home was another story simply because we took two detours to visit both of my grandparents in VA. We hit a few bumps (got rear ended, sat in major traffic, etc) but we made it home safe and sound.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Although next time, I need to completely and totally unplug.
Here’s what I learned (my big tips for vacationing with small kids):
1) Wear them out.
I’m serious. My three year old slept better than he ever has simply because he just went, went, went all day long – running, swimming, exploring. He was a happy boy (as was my mom and sister who slept in the same room with him.)
2) Have lots of snacks.
Both in the car and throughout the trip, we had crackers, fruit and other goodies. So no matter where we were, when someone’s tummy got the rumblys, we were prepared.
3) Be prepared.
You never know when you are going to need wipes, a drink, snacks (see above), or toys to help out in a freak out scenario. If you keep a well stocked bag of supplies, you’ll be good to go in any situation.
4) Be flexible.
We all know kids require flexibility, but sometimes so do adults. Plans change. Wants and needs are different. If you can just go with the flow, you’ll have a much more enjoyable time when nap time interrupts an excursion.
5) Let the idea of a “perfect” vacation go.
Something will go wrong. It’s sort of inevitable, especially with young kids. But if you acknowledge it, accept it and move on, you’ll have an amazing time – complete with memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Looking for more from Erin? Follow her on Twitter or check out her YouTube channel.
Photo credit: A Parenting Production
Read more from source:“babycenter-com-baby”
tips for vacationing with small children
And here is for the eye:Images from around the web about tips for vacationing with small children, hope you like them. Keywords: tips formasi pes 2013, tips for job interview, tips forex, tips formasi top eleven, tips formasi ampuh pes 2013, tips for healthy life, tips for interview, tips for diet, tips foredi, tips formasi winning eleven ps2, tips for vacationing with small children .