Ambrosia (age 6) still wants more details and reassurance about where she is going to stay and how long we’re going to be away, etc. However, she did agree that walking for miles along the beach that day with Mommy and Russy WAS pretty boring. And that long drive from Toronto to New England and back WAS pretty boring. Now that she has thought about it, a lot of that trip WAS pretty boring from her perspective.

Maggie and I are not hurt or feel unappreciated at all. In fact, we already KNEW from the girl’s reactions during the trip that they weren’t always happy campers. It just wouldn’t be fair to drag them through that experience again.

We’ve made it clear to both girls that when it comes to choosing their activities, they will have full input. For Suvin, it’s important to her that she does something with her friends. She told us that she doesn’t need to go anyplace in particular. She would be happy having a gang over for a sleepover and/or pool party… or hang out with them at their homes.

We’ll guide Ambrosia through her options as well. Obviously, her choices are much more limited at this young age. I know the right thing will come along at the right time.

Thanks Judy for validating the point: Parents NEED some couple time to keep the family together. Yes, the family that plays (and prays) together, stays together. But remember, each age has an appropriate way to interact with each other. Just as it isn’t fair to expect a parent to sit around the kiddie pool all day long, it would be equally inappropriate for those parents to bring their child to an adult comedy night club.

I’ll reiterate – holidays are meant for relaxation and renewing of the mind, body and spirit. With careful planning and execution, every family member can win. Healthy families spend quality time together AND leave space for each other to explore broader relationships outside the tight-knit family circle. Those are the families that stay together and truly appreciate each other.

You gotta Love That Feeling!

Also, friends tell me that until the kids are around 11 or 12, they don’t really remember vacations all that well, so don’t waste big bucks taking them to foreign places. It’s too hard and too much. Wait until they are older for the epic family trips.

We loved our trip to Yellowstone with Katy but she was 13 at the time — and she had fun on a cruise in Hawaii with grandparents and other family along. (The ship stuff for kids kept her happy while mom and dad had time to relax…and she was happy to do the tours in ports, but happier to be back on the ship, LOL)

Do some weekend trips with the girls or day trips, but keep some time for you both. Time goes by so fast, don’t let it get away without making the days meaningful. (and with NO real time off…well….all that good feeling goes out the window)