I was telling my friend about our upcoming family vacation and all the details of how we would travel 2000 miles in our car, learn about California history, make kid-friendly stops and discoveries, take creative photos, eat on a budget, make a video diary, etc. After listening to my detailed description she said, “Sounds like a lot of fun but I think that sounds more like a trip than a vacation!”
As I reflected on what my friend said, I started to realize exactly what she meant by her comment. Although a family trip is a great thing to celebrate and definitely a luxury to have, it is not truly a “vacation” per se. Because there is so much to plan and coordinate, there is much work involved before, after, and even during the trip. Of course it is enjoyable, but it is a total different joy than a relaxing, bonding vacation for two where you can truly leave your daily worries behind.
This summer consider taking a trip with your spouse-just the two of you. Even if your budget means it has to be a day trip or even if it means you have to forgo your family trip in order to make it possible, do it. You deserve it. Also, your family will directly benefit from it because you will be a stronger, more relaxed and focused team that can lead your happy clan into a wonderful summer and new school year.
Keep reading for tips on how to make regular dates with your spouse possible.
Q: “My husband and I never get any time away from our children. We don't have family nearby and don't have close friends we can trust with our children. What can we do?”
A: Get one or two other families with children the same ages as yours and set up a co-op. Plan 3 months at a time and schedule in 2 dates for every 1 babysitting turn. When it's one family's turn to baby sit all the kids from the 3 families, the other two couples get to go out. It works out wonderfully because not only do the kids love it but the parents get to go out two times for every one time they baby sit!
If this sounds a bit too much to arrange, consider short little dates where ever and whenever you can grab them. For instance, did you know that Ikea takes potty-trained children for 1.5 hours while you are "shopping" at Ikea. On more than one occasion, my husband and I had a fun date browsing through the store hand in hand and then stopping for an ice cream at the cafe before picking up our children.
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