http://dinghome.net/2009/05/26/parenting-on-vacation/ Reflections, stories, and thoughts from us. Exciting! Sat, 24 Jul 2010 21:42:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 http://dinghome.net/2009/05/26/parenting-on-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-15956 Violin Mom Wed, 27 May 2009 02:09:17 +0000 http://dinghome.net/2009/05/26/parenting-on-vacation/#comment-15956 Excellent observations, Lois. There is nothing like experiencing a vacation full of meltdowns to change the way you view "vacation". We live in the theme park capital of the world, and never go to theme parks. We had one bad experience when our son was 4 at a theme park, and decided not to ever repeat the experience. Like you said, our kids do not do well when their routine is changed. We have responded by changing what we call "vacation" to more low key, and inexpensive, activities. Instead of theme parks, cities, and hotels, we have changed to camping, nature, and peaceful places like state parks, non commercial beaches, and the mountains. We emphasize the children learning to make their own fun with the things of nature. Don't get me wrong -- even these vacations are never all that relaxing when you're a parent (the children do get on each other's nerves sometimes), but at least they are not overstimulated when we are popping popcorn on an outdoor grill, toasting marshmallows, swinging in a hammock, checking out bugs or seashells, swinging on park swings or listening to a book being read by the campfire. Just another way to make memories that doesn't cost much money and that works well for our family. Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed hearing about your trip. We hope to one day make it out west (by camper van!). Excellent observations, Lois. There is nothing like experiencing a vacation full of meltdowns to change the way you view “vacation”. We live in the theme park capital of the world, and never go to theme parks. We had one bad experience when our son was 4 at a theme park, and decided not to ever repeat the experience. Like you said, our kids do not do well when their routine is changed. We have responded by changing what we call “vacation” to more low key, and inexpensive, activities. Instead of theme parks, cities, and hotels, we have changed to camping, nature, and peaceful places like state parks, non commercial beaches, and the mountains. We emphasize the children learning to make their own fun with the things of nature. Don’t get me wrong — even these vacations are never all that relaxing when you’re a parent (the children do get on each other’s nerves sometimes), but at least they are not overstimulated when we are popping popcorn on an outdoor grill, toasting marshmallows, swinging in a hammock, checking out bugs or seashells, swinging on park swings or listening to a book being read by the campfire. Just another way to make memories that doesn’t cost much money and that works well for our family. Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed hearing about your trip. We hope to one day make it out west (by camper van!).

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