Our tips for memorable, joyful, stress-free summer
Holidays with kids might just be a “change of location”. Of course, travel involves being out of both routines and comforts of home, while little kids thrive on familiarity, predictability, and comfort. The whole point of travel is to push us out of our comfort zones, and while little children might make that free spirited exploration a little limiting, we hope the following tips and hacks make it possible to still enjoy a stress-free summer holiday , while travelling with our children.
1. Keep as much of your routine in place while you are travelling:
Young children are still developing cognitive flexibility, i.e. their ability to accept change, unfamiliarity, and novelty. As such, maintaining routines allows them to enjoy daily rhythms better, despite being in unfamiliar surroundings. Some tips include:
● DO- Try to maintain consistent morning, naptime, mealtime, and evening routines (such as consistency in order of dinner, bath, book/song, bed)
● DO-Take comforters, soothing soft toys, that are easy to travel with that offers them familiarity in the midst of the novelty
● DO-Schedule plenty of time for movement, play, and safe exploration. Play is their language. Where possible, encourage mixed aged play
2. Understand the needs, interests, and limitations of their age (and your unique child):
While holidays pre-children may have included wandering through cobblestone streets, stumbling upon quaint cafes, meandering through ancient archways, grooving to tunes at a Mediterranean beach club, or enjoying the ocean breeze as you get lost between the pages of your book, holidays with kids might look different . Yet, these holidays could still offer you opportunities to enjoy your personal interests while honouring the needs and stage of your family unit.
● DO- Keep in mind the needs and limitations of your children, depending on their age and/or interests
● DO- Remain flexible and allow for “white space”, free time for unscheduled, free, spontaneous exploration
● AVOID- crowded destinations and peak tourist routes if you have kids who are sensitive to stimulating environments
One popular mantra we swear by on holidays with little personal time is “SOMETHING FOR YOU, SOMETHING FOR ME”. This takes into account the needs of everyone in the family (isn’t that the whole point of communal, family ties- accommodating each other’s needs and interests?
3. Spend time in nature
Time spent in nature affords a pace like no other. The pace of nature teaches us patience, Emerson famously said. Time spent in nature and the great outdoors can be invigorating, soothing, and can offer a canvas on which some of your best family memories of the summer can be painted.
● DO-Find trails, beaches, age-appropriate walking trails, lakes and connect in the great outdoors
● DO- Have family picnics regularly
● DO- Make the most of longer days, and have a few alfresco dinners under the setting sun
5. Learn something new together
Travelling somewhere unique? Why not immerse yourself into a cultural experience, learning a new skill that is unique to that area? Perhaps a local culinary, art, craft, dance class, language or a try a new adventure sport together? Learning something new supports brain health by creating new neural connections and strengthening existing connections.
6. Implement screen-free/tech-free pacts as a family
While our daily routines, work commitments, appointments might make us prey to our digital devices, a break from work and routines offer the perfect opportunity to connect in real life, with your people in front of you.
We are firm believers that memories made in the most ordinary, mundane moments, daily offer opportunities for memorable, impactful connection. However, holidays, away from demands of daily chores, administration, work, and routines offer us opportunities to offer our full selves to our people who matter the most.
7. Make self-care a DAILY priority
Holidays, especially, involve little personal quiet time, where we find ourselves often pouring into the cups of our family. However we CANNOT sustain that level of care, without taking care of ourselves first. Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. Micro-doses of self-care such as:
● Prioritising sleep (aim for 7-7.5 hours)
● Waking up a little before the household for some quiet reflective time
● Movement and exercise- whatever works for you on holidays, a gentle walk, some stretches, yoga, a refreshing swim
● Some mindful breathing (as you wait for the kettle to boil)
● Tag team with your partner and/or family to allow for some quiet time alone, even for short intervals
My love letter to you Mama
Give yourself permission to let go of expectations, embrace the idea of “good enough”, while striving to make it a summer to remember, focusing on the three magic ingredients..
- Pauses, to reflect often
- Presence, let go of distractions and multitasking ways
- Connection (Playful Connection, I might add), it is after all, the magic ingredient that not just transforms all behaviours but it really is what we humans are wired to seek.
Written by Lisel Varley
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