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We make memories that last a lifetime on days out
with our children, but family trips can often be daunting, with much to think
about. Young families went on four holidays on average across 2018,
with staycations just as important as those longer trips abroad for creating
cherished moments. Getting everything to go off without a hitch is never
straightforward but following our guide should ensure you can focus on what’s
important on your trip.
Get your bags packed early
If you’ve only got a day set aside for your trip, you
don’t want to start it rushing around trying to make sure you’ve remembered to
take everything. Get ahead of the game by packing, and checking, everything the
night before so you’re ready to roll the next day.
Be prepared for everything
Shorts, raincoats, wellies, change of clothes – take
it all. Especially in the UK, you never know what will come from above. Be on
the safe side, and you can press ahead come rain, sun – or whatever! If you’re
out and about, you might not be able to stick to your regular meal schedules,
so pack plenty of snacks to keep hangry spells at bay.
Involve your children in your passions
Don’t just do things because you think the kids will
like it, why not involve them in something you love too? If you speak to your
little ones about something you love, your excitement will rub off on them. If
you love animals, head to zoo. Or are you a sports fan? Take them with you to
see your favourite team.
Make sure the children are ready
Queues, quiet places and journeys can all provide
flashpoints in the day but prepare your children by telling them exactly what
is to come and unexpected upsets can easily be swerved.
Ease the strain, take the train
The car might be quicker but mixing things up with a
train journey can take the pressure off you, as well as give the little ones an
exciting experience. Book your tickets in advance to save some cash, too. You
could even make even make significant savings on a relatively short journey,
like travelling from Clapham Junction to Wembley Central, by booking in advance,
travelling at off-peak times and looking into which railcards work for you.
Look after yourself
Be sure to pack refreshments for yourself, you don’t
want to get dehydrated if you forget to drink enough water. Plus, if travelling
with infants, you might need to pack some clothes for yourself, just in case of
moments of sickness. Keep the pressure off yourself, too, by keeping your
schedule light. If you’re rushing around to fit everything in, you might be
whisking the children away from something they loved.
Feel free to leave a comment - I love reading every single one :)
Helen x
I agree planning is essential as is getting your children's buy in. If they are a fan of your day out too that will help to make it more successful!
ReplyDeleteI think sharing your passions is so important. Hence my
ReplyDeleteLittle man was dragged around the RAF Museum this week. He loved all the aircraft.
You're definitely right about being prepared for everything; especially if travelling with kids and having to contend with the English weather. But it's lovely to make memeories.
ReplyDeleteI think setting expectations is so important with children. It can really help a day out go smoothly
ReplyDeleteEveryone laughs that I am prepared for all eventualities, but I would rather that than forgetting something and having a moaning child
ReplyDeleteBrilliant tips, I used to get myself so uptight and stressed about coping with the 3 children I would come home with a migraine! I've learnt now to control that, be more organised and calmer about things too.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely hate not being organised when going on a family day out! We end up spending so much more money on food, drinks and anything else we may need because we haven't planned properly and it drives me crazy. I agree that doing things you love with kids is great, it may spark a new interest for them too.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE last-minute planning ... but never on the actual day of travel - so I write lists. Pack 90% the day before then have a checklist of what else needs doing. This way nothing gets left behind!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips I do find days out can be hit and miss with my two. The bad trips are when I do not pack enough snacks to keep them going. Nothing worse than a hungry toddler!
ReplyDeleteYes to all of these! I always get our bags packed the night before, and usually it looks like I'm prepared for the apocalypse, lol. We don't actually have a car, so always take public transport.
ReplyDeleteBeing prepared for any event is always advice I give to my mama friends. Nothing worse than being unprepared with little ones
ReplyDelete