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If you have kids and want to take them on holiday for the first time then you’re probably quite nervous. With that in mind, it’s possible for you to lessen your anxiety if you simply know what to expect, while taking the time to choose a holiday that suits your family.
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Holidays are Different Now
If your idea of a perfect holiday is sitting on a beach with a good book, while your kids play in the sand then you need to change your expectations. You need to take the time to mentally accept that your holidays are no longer going to be the same. You won’t be able to do as much as you’d like during the day because you will need to feed your kids, take them to the bathroom, put them down for naps and more. Prioritize and tweak your to-do list, so you can make the most out of your time abroad.
Flight Times Matter
While children do attract a lot of attention when you go away, you don’t want to be noticed too much. The last thing you want is to be dealing with tantrums when you’re surrounded by people. One way for you to work around this would be for you to book a flight at the right time. Don’t book a flight an hour before your kid’s bedtime, because if you do then they will be exhausted and they may struggle to sleep as a result. After all, when kids get to a certain point of tiredness, they can become energetic. Which can land you in a lot of trouble.
Routines Matter
Going away really is a chance for the whole family to give something new a go. Sticking with the routine you have now is a great way for you to help your kids feel more settled. It is remarkable how quickly a meltdown can happen because your kids are too tired, or because they are hungry. If you want to eliminate a lot of guesswork then one thing you can do is try and stick with your routine as much as possible. That way, you will always know when your kids are hungry or tired, so you can plan accordingly. If you want to take the stress out of eating then booking a holiday park could be the way to go. Check out the John Fowler holiday park if you want to know more.
Downtime is Imperative
Research has shown that parents experience six years of sleep disruption after they have a child. If you have more than one child then you may find that this goes on for even longer. If you want to help yourself, one thing you can do is make sure that you feel well-rested. This will help you to improve your holiday spirits. When you go away with your kids, and especially if you are taking the kids on holiday for the first time, try and make sure that you have a set routine and that you have a cut-off point for activities. Other things to look out for include places with quiet areas, so you can wind the kids down if things get too much.