Wendy GraceWendy Grace takes the stress out of family holidays with some top tips for planning ahead
Summer holidays are just around the corner. Most of us look forward to our two weeks away all year round, counting down the days as we stare out of an office or kitchen window. While holidays are a fantastic time to de-stress, relax and forget about work, holidays can also bring about their own stresses. Many people get very anxious about flying or managing the holiday budget and, for many families, two weeks together, under the same roof, is possibly the longest amount of time that they have all spent together since their last holiday!
Often high expectations are placed on holidays because of what you imagine the holiday should be. People want to belong and feel connected during holidays away, but sometimes that desire can be so strong that we over-extend ourselves emotionally, physically and financially.
The first key to avoiding holiday stress is being organised. Being disorganised leads to a rush to do all the last minute jobs around the house, many people stay up late or get up very early before they take their flight. But if you are sleep deprived it can take you days to recover and unwind. Of course, it can also make you more irritable and prone to being argumentative. Make sure you work into your plan to get enough sleep before your departure. If you have an early morning flight, for example, be sure to bring an eye mask and ear plugs to help you get some sleep on the flight.
Summer holidays are a great opportunity to recharge and reconnect with your family. Step one of bonding is making sure all the family are involved in the decision making and planning process. Planning, as a family, is actually very important. If the children feel involved in the planning process there is much less need to say no when you are asked, 30 times a day, if they can go somewhere that doesn’t fit in with the schedule or budget.
Plan beforehand and let each member of the family organise, at least, one activity that they would like, consequently everyone gets to do what they want at different stages of the holiday. This will also allow you to budget for precisely the activities that have been agreed. You will also achieve much more this way. A great way to start this process is a family meeting. Simply sit everyone down, ask each one to write down what activities they would like to try, (ask them to pick at least one that is free) and what places they would like to visit. When going through the ideas have two columns; one activity or place to visit that is free of charge and others that will cost money.
Children love family holidays, the destination is not what is important whereas adults usually have idealised the place in their minds. However what is important and is priceless, is TIME, with the family. Usually parents are more relaxed, content and emotionally available on holiday. Ask your children what their favourite family memory is. You will be Summer holidays are just around the corner. Most of us look forward to our two weeks away all year round, counting down the days as we stare out of an office or kitchen window. While holidays are a fantastic time to de-stress, relax and forget about work, holidays can also bring about their own stresses. Many people get very anxious about flying or managing the holiday budget and, for many families, two weeks together, under the same roof, is possibly the longest amount of time that they have all spent together since their last holiday!
Often high expectations are placed on holidays because of what you imagine the holiday should be. People want to belong and feel connected during holidays away, but sometimes that desire can be so strong that we over-extend ourselves emotionally, physically and financially.
The first key to avoiding holiday stress is being organised. Being disorganised leads to a rush to do all the last minute jobs around the house, many people stay up late or get up very early before they take their flight. But if you are sleep deprived it can take you days to recover and unwind. Of course, it can also make you more irritable and prone to being argumentative. Make sure you work into your plan to get enough sleep before your departure. If you have an early morning flight, for example, be sure to bring an eye mask and ear plugs to help you get some sleep on the flight.
Summer holidays are a great opportunity to recharge and reconnect with your family. Step one of bonding is making sure all the family are involved in the decision making and planning process. Planning, as a family, is actually very important. If the children feel involved in the planning process there is much less need to say no when you are asked, 30 times a day, if they can go somewhere that doesn’t fit in with the schedule or budget.
Plan beforehand and let each member of the family organise, at least, one activity that they would like, consequently everyone gets to do what they want at different stages of the holiday. This will also allow you to budget for precisely the activities that have been agreed. You will also achieve much more this way. A great way to start this process is a family meeting. Simply sit everyone down, ask each one to write down what activities they would like to try, (ask them to pick at least one that is free) and what places they would like to visit. When going through the ideas have two columns; one activity or place to visit that is free of charge and others that will cost money.
Children love family holidays, the destination is not what is important whereas adults usually have idealised the place in their minds. However what is important and is priceless, is TIME, with the family. Usually parents are more relaxed, content and emotionally available on holiday. Ask your children what their favourite family memory is. You will be surprised at how simple (and free!)