In part, our world is becoming smaller because of the technology that allows us to communicate in ways that we could never have imagined. There is a wonderful, big world beyond our phones and tablets that offers exciting learning experiences and adventures. We provide our children with valuable experiences and lessons when we travel.
If you are eager to embark on your next road trip with your children, here are six life lessons that you can share:
1. Your child can lead
We often ruin our children’s travel experience because we are so afraid that something will go wrong. When you understand that you are not giving up control, your children will be safe and learn valuable lessons. It becomes easier.
You can teach your children to read signs and guide them on your next vacation. They can do this at the car rental station, airport, or resort tram stop. Remind them that if they get into trouble, they can seek help from you, the staff at the airport/parking area/park, or even someone in your family.
Let them go through the security line first, explaining proudly that they will be the leader of the family for the day. You teach your children to be aware of signs, ask for assistance, and check their surroundings. It’s also important to teach kids that it is OK to make mistakes and get lost.
2. Memories are a Gift
Kids, unlike adults, are more focused on the here and now. They don’t think about what might happen or what has already happened. ).
We can also teach them how to make memories by traveling and documenting these adventures with photos or scrapbooks so that they can later look back on all of the amazing and silly adventures. You are giving your children a great gift by sharing this time and opening their eyes to the world. These memories, unlike most other gifts, are ones they will cherish for the rest of their lives.
3. Less is More
Children quickly learn that they are responsible for the belongings they own. They will have to carry the burden if they pack “everything” and “the kitchen sink.”
This lesson goes beyond the number of shoes that they pack. After a while, children will learn that any baggage (both physical and mental) becomes heavy. It’s sometimes best to depack, let go, and reduce.
4. Diversity is Awesome
Although technology can make it seem like the world has become smaller, there are people from every race, religion, and culture. We can teach our children to be tolerant, curious, and open-minded about other cultures and how they live and work.
What is my advice? Share with your children the diversity of the world. They can explore and appreciate the similarities and differences. It will help them in the future and make them more compassionate. Isn’t this what we want for our children?
5. Flexible can be fun
You lose the ability to teach children how to adapt when everything is fixed, and change appears to be a big bad wolf. Traveling with children is a great way to teach kids flexibility.
It’s fun to have a positive attitude. There will ALWAYS be something that shifts or changes our schedules. We can help our children become less anxious by teaching them to accept the unexpected and find alternative rules, routes, and mindsets.
6. You’re allowed to get lost sometimes
We all want to guide our children in the right direction, but sometimes the best lessons are learned when we take the less-traveled path – and this is especially true on vacation. Teach your children that it is OK to stray from the path and explore new avenues.
They will carry this perspective with them into adulthood if we teach our children to go beyond their comfort zone (under our supervision). They will not be afraid to embark on new adventures, explore new places, or make new friends. What a wonderful gift!
Each day, every trip we take with our children is an opportunity to teach them and help them learn. Please make the most out of every moment because they truly do go by in the blink of an eye.
Final Thoughts
We know that parenting is a journey filled with highs and lowers. We’d be happy to help if you’re struggling with backtalk, frustrated at mealtime, or tired of sibling rivalry.
We wish you all the best in your parenting journey and whatever travel adventures may come your way.
