daily chores, then there is going to
be a shared happiness between them
and also with the children. The whole
family has to work together as one
team, including the children as well,
thus giving them an idea of what it
means to be a loving unit. It is also
a good idea to include the children in
choice-making, for example, giving
them a choice between two parks,
and letting them decide which one
they prefer. This creates a sense of
independence and also of importance
in the children, instead of always
tagging around wherever their
caregivers choose to take them.
Does the holiday necessarily always
have to be child oriented or are there
particular ages when planning a
holiday around the child’s needs is a
must?
E.G.: There are different types
of holidays. If the holiday is a
family holiday, then yes, it is very
important to include the children
in the planning process, choose
destinations which are child friendly,
and choose child-friendly activities
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as much as possible. Bear in mind
that the things you enjoy doing
single, or with other adults – such
as going to museums, art galleries,
concerts – may not be enjoyable
for the child as well. However, there
can be instances where your needs
and your child’s needs meet – for
example I once went to a castle in
Scotland; I loved it because of the
medieval history and the children
loved it because they could run
around in the huge garden. You
have to be flexible when travelling
with children and keep in mind that
activities which are constricted by
time may not be suitable for them,
as it adds extra pressure. Plan one
activity a day, and be flexible as much
as you can. Remember that is your
child is frustrated and angry, you will
probably end up this way too.
What kind of precautions should
be taken by parents to ensure the
best possible vacation for all family
members?
E.G.: The best way is to plan ahead
and make sure that the children are
properly entertained, especially while
travelling by airplane or by train, so
that they do not get frustrated from
boredom. I have had some families
which some traumatised from a
family holiday, after horrifying long
journeys with kids in the car or the
plane. Planning ahead is the key.
Pack some activities they love, and
let them pack a bag each (as long as
what they pack abides by travelling
regulations). I give each of my
children a travelling bag which they
can then fill with any favourite toys
and activities they want, so that they
don’t get bored. This gives them
responsibility as well; as they make
sure they are bringing what is most
important to them.
Family relationships can be even
put on strain since the holiday will
deviate from the normal routine
of everyday life. How can one
compensate for this, especially with
regards to children?
E.G.: Reflect and set out the
expectations
for
the
holiday
beforehand. For example, in a