Taking preschool children on vacation can be especially challenging. Children at this age tend to like routines that help them feel safe and keep life predictable. Vacations are meant to be a break from the regular routine, especially for the parents. Yet many parents do take family vacations with their preschooler and have enjoyed their vacations much more after planning all the stages of their trip carefully, involving their child in the process each step of the way.
When you are considering taking a vacation with a preschool age child you should make sure the vacation is appropriate for them. For example, the beach may be where you want to be, but not the best place to bring a preschool child on vacation. Many families who have brought their preschool age children to the beach for a family vacation spent more time washing sand out of hair, eyes, ears and mouths and less time than they had imagined they would enjoying the surf and sand. Likewise for The Grand Canyon. Parents appreciate the vast timeless natural beauty of the Grand Canyon. Preschool age children see little other than a big hole of dirt they cannot play in. There are many different themed amusement parks in many different parts of the world that cater to younger visitors and can serve as a focal point of your trip and your visit to the surrounding area. Most parks or resorts of this nature are more than happy to routinely provide additional attractions and services that will help make your vacation with your toddler a pleasant experience.
Get some brochures with pictures and descriptions of where you will all be going and share them with your child. Plan your trips with your children and include activities for them to look forward to. Get some ideas about the things they would like to do and see. Show them pictures, ask them what clothes they would like to bring and let them help you pack. Children who are involved in the planning have more appreciation and fun during the trip. Show older preschool children how to follow along on your trip on a map so they can see the progress made as you travel. This will help to lessen the ‘are we there yet’ chant as well as keep your child involved in the whole vacation process.
Remember, too, that not all vacations are for the entire family, and when you have a preschooler it is good for your marriage and your child for you to get away without your children for awhile. For those special vacations, find someone you can rely upon to baby-sit and then really get away from it all for a few days.
Dr. Randy Cale, a Clifton Park-based parenting expert, author, speaker and licensed psychologist, offers practical guidance for a host of parenting concerns. His Web site,
www.TerrificParenting.com,, offers free parenting guidance and an e-mail newsletter.