GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #29 | Page 32

It wouldn't be a caravan park without one upset child. KID ZONES? Some parks and campgrounds have special zones for campers with dogs, generators, etc. Would a zone for campers with children be a good thing? That way, they could run amok without upsetting other campers. “I think there are many campers out there who would love child-free areas!” Adele said. “Generators are banned at many places for good reason. But in all seriousness, if we start segregating, where would it stop? A grey nomad- free zone, an outdoor cooking-free zone?” She makes a good point – caravanning, after all, should be about inclusion; however, kids running hell-for-leather around a van park also raises the question of privacy. “If you want total privacy, then maybe don’t stay in a caravan park,” Adele said.  “We encourage 32 \ “KID-FREE ZONES: A GOOD THING?” our children to introduce themselves to our neighbours, respect their property and be aware of everyone’s space. It’s okay to squeal and carry on at the playground but we try to get them to ‘tone it down’ if we are only metres away from people.  We call these ‘park rules’ and we are consistent with them. They sometimes need a gentle reminder but so do we after a few too many happy-hour drinks! “Parents definitely need to take responsibility and finding the balance on holidays can be tough. We are more relaxed while on holidays but we still expect manners and respect from our kids.”