Vacations

As you are reading this, I will hopefully be experiencing a little magic....Disney magic that is!  As many of you know, SO much planning and detail go into a trip like this.  This year, we didn't tell the kids about the trip until 4 days before the actual departure.  Can I just say they were ECSTATIC when they found out.  The pictures from the surprise reveal are priceless!

Many times as parents we can forget how a vacation can disrupt our children's normal schedule.  They will be completely out of their normal routine.  Here are a few tips that you can use for a smooth vacation transisition:

 

• Talk about your vacation and where you will be going.  Talk about the things you may see and the different activities that you have planned.  Explain to them how you will get there....car, plane or train. etc.  If traveling by plane you can act out what may happen during the process.  For example, you can line up chairs and pretend to get onboard an airplane.  Practice going through a security check because this can be scary for a child (and some adults).  Try to find some age appropriate books that talk about travel and vacation.  Clifford the Big Red Dog has a cute book about Emily Elizabeth and her family going on vacation and Clifford finding them because he was so lonely without them. 
• Let your child pack a small bag of things they would like to take on the trip.  You can give your child a bag and ask them to pack a few items. They may choose a favorite stuffed animal or blanket.  Small toys and books are also a great idea.  I have always let my children choose some things they wanted to pack and it makes them feel more independent and they often choose things like lovies that will make them feel comfortable.
• On the big day keep explaining what's going to happen next so they know what to expect.  Traveling doesn't have to be stressful....it should be an adventure!
• HAVE FUN!!

I hope you all have memorable and magical vacations this summer~