Take your kids on Adventures!
There is nothing quite like an adventure together to bring a family closer. The anticipation of the journey and the excitement of experiencing someplace new together. I remember going to Disney World with my parents in 1976. I was 11 years old and my Dad had saved money for several years to make the trip happen. I still remember him complaining that the hotel room costing $65.00 per night! Outrageous at the time, but peanuts today. We talked about the trip for months leading up to it and for years afterward.
We also took many trips to Myrtle Beach as a kid. Often with my uncle and his family. I have so many memories of time with my parents on those trips. As a kid, Uncle Tom was the coolest. I loved taking walks on the beach with him to “check out the stuff.” It was where we all wanted to be at the same time. How often does that happen with your children?
Adventures are common bonds for families. They build lasting memories and create opportunities to talk, connect, and slow down and enjoy each other. We took an epic trip to Colorado when I was 14 to visit great friends of my parents and their kids. I think we often see another side of our parents when we get them away from the normal daily grind. They seem more human. On that trip, we spent many hours in the car just talking. I got to know my Mom and Dad even better because of that trip.
Garret’s family just completed a family trip to Disney. Thomas and Maverick have been excited about this trip for months. I know it will bring them closer together and create memories to be shared by just them. It is time worth investing in.
Travel is such an important part of life if you can make it happen. It opens our eyes to new worlds, new people, and new perspectives. It forces our kids to learn to interact with others and navigate new environments. It builds confidence in themselves and in their parents. An epic family vacation or just a short weekend getaway are great ways to build family togetherness and to teach our children new skills.
Travel is exciting and fun, but it also makes us appreciate home a little more. Missing home is a good thing and a feeling we all should experience to truly love our home.
Big adventures make for big memories and often, big naps!