I agree with Susan Dunn, MA, which is an Emotional Intelligence Coach & Consultant, and author of "How to Develop Your Child's EQ". Training, business programs, Internet courses, teleclasses and ebooks around emotional intelligence. He writes about "Family Vacations and Expectations" and I quote:
"This time of year again: Time for a family holiday This is a good time to rethink some things like perfectionism, expectations, and the meaning of the word." Vacation "First of all, we call it" vacation, "but. If you are a parent, it will not be one for you. In fact, you probably work harder than you would at home, so why not call it" Holiday Children. "
Children do not need a vacation for rest and relaxation, even they tend to rev up for the holidays. If you are looking for rest and relaxation, plan your own holiday for another time. Here are a few things to remember when you plan and take family vacations that may keep you from unrealistic expectations which will erode your experience:
1. Because children with new experiences and speed up time fun, GO plans to rest, do not plan to rest COME HOME.
2. Consider options to help with the kids. Many resorts and cruise lines offer supervised programs for children where they can meet new friends. Or bring along a helper's mother, niece or nephew of the older, or grandmother. It's more fun for all.
3. Plan ahead for the unexpected. Use your Emotional Intelligence to relax, be flexible and creative, rather than tightening and get stiffer. Testing the limits in every new situation is normal. You can handle it as long as you're not surprised by it.
4. Prepare for the predictable - high spirits, boredom, and fighting with siblings. Dealing with them in the same way you do at home. Do not blame each other for juvenile delinquents. Just deal with it.
5. If you intend to have a great time together, do not let anything get in your way. There is no reason why a visit to the ER should "ruin your vacation," more than tantrums, some embarrassing behavior table, flat tire, or plane connections must be answered. Your experience of your vacation is in your own hands.
6. Allow time and space for children to work off their energy. Plan breaks during long car trips. Bringing them to walk on the beach before you go to art museums, or turn them loose in the yard after dinner the hotel with Great Aunt Betty.
7. Maintain a rigorous schedule of naps, nighttime sleep and food to improve their behavior. No matter how much fun they're having, children do not do well when too tired or too hungry.
8. Discuss expectations in advance. Explain what you can, and what kind of behavior you expect in different situations. You can not cover everything, but you can cover a lot.
9. Wary of their safety. Provide safety equipment - harness, car seat, life jacket. Carry a first aid kit. Because the holiday provides a new situation, accidents are more likely to occur.
Last but not least, the process after each vacation. Talk about what works and what does not. And do not forget the most important thing: Find out what people enjoy most. Be sure and go over the times both with family, and make plans for more in the future, consider what you learned. "End of quote.
