As school draws to an end for summer, you may be
thinking of plans for a family vacation. My teen boys are already talking about
places they would like to visit. Our discussion led me to reflect on a family
trip we took several years ago. Here’s the story.
While on a road trip, we stopped at a rest area to
stretch. I was the only one to exit the car.
Upon my return, I was greeted by steam eminating from inside the car. No
we didn’t have cat trouble. It was 78 degrees and humid outside, but my family
had the heat blaring as though it was below zero.
In planning for our trip, I prepared for the
elements of weather. Little did I know that I would experience various weather
conditions INSIDE of the car. I have discovered that when traveling with family
you have to be prepared for anything.
Some of the late shows are known for giving a top 10
list for various situations. Here’s my top five list of things you need to know
before traveling with family.
#5 You have the right to remain silent –
when the kids are yelling and screaming and you want to scream too…take a break
remain silent and count to 10.
#4 Anything you say can be held against you
– when the kids want something and you tell them “maybe later” they will keep
asking you by saying, “you said later.”
#3 You have the right to representation
during the kids negotiating for something they want. When my kids wanted cereal
for dinner their argument was, “Mini Wheats helps 11% of children do well in
school and Captain Crunch helps get your day started.” Good try. My solution is
to pack a variety of snacks and double team the kids with reasons why they
should have something else.
#2 Don’t give up all of your rights – the
kids don’t have to have everything go their way, but if they’re older
(tweens/teens) let them have input on some aspect of the trip. If they’d rather
spend extra time at the pool rather than something else you have planned, so be
it.
#1 A family road trip is not a life
sentence – with proper planning a road trip can be entertaining and a great
bonding experience. We left the house armed with music CD’s, books on CD and
puzzle books. On the next trip we may need to limit the number of carry-ons due
to space restrictions.
When
it comes to family time together, poet Maya Angelou’s book title sums it up
best,
Wouldn’t take nothing for my
journey now. Through extreme temperatures inside and
outside of
the
car, my journey with the family will be a memorable one.
Can you take the heat of a road trip?
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