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Take A Break
Monday, March 21, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Finally; spring has ALMOST sprung. If you've been reading my blog you know that I'm a mid-west girl. This means it's been gray skies and cold winds for the last five-months. Brrr; I'm done.
Other than rambling, I mean writing, one of my favorite past times is traveling.
As a new parent have you taken a trip with your munchkin in tow?
Was it to visit family or a vacation destination?
Did you fly or drive?
Other than your significant other did you take a "back-up grown-up" (i.e. your mom/mother-in-law) to give you a hand?
Decisions, decisions.
If you haven't ventured out yet with baby in tow, do not be afraid! It CAN be done!
Once you've figured out what to pack, it's time to figure out where to go!
Deciding WHERE to go is as an important of a decision as WHAT to bring. Choosing the right destination can make memories that will last for a lifetime. Choosing the wrong destination can also make memories that will last for a lifetime (for all the wrong reasons, LOL!).
Here's some food for thought:
*Choose family-friendly; whether a state or national park look for amenities that will make a trip with a little one a bit easier. Request a room that won't require a hike to get there. Look for family-friendly transportation systems. Request a refrigerator (even the small, college-dorm type) in your room.
*Keep it simple. We traveled to Disney when the kiddo was a toddler. We stayed onsite and visited one park, The Magic Kingdom. We took the mid-day nap break (we all needed it!) and were able to enjoy some of the nighttime activities successfully. One day was enough. The rest of that vacation was spent on the coast with a little more quiet and less excitement than a trip to see "the mouse" often brings.
*Speaking of the coast, consider the reality of the beach with an infant and/or young toddler. For us, when our little one was a wee infant, more time was spent keeping sand out of her mouth than it was just enjoying playing with it. The sun was hot and therefore the long, leisurely afternoons on the beach were nonexistent. In reality the kiddo would have enjoyed splashing in a small plastic pool as much as an afternoon spent by the sea.
Be realistic; you won't be disappointed.
*Maintain balance. Too much of a good thing may turn into a really bad time. Wherever you venture work to keep your kiddo's schedule balanced between eating, sleeping, and, of course, playing.
Have you found the perfect place to venture this spring?
Let me know! I'm always ready to plan our next break.
