“French fries, nuggets, pizza and the like will save your holiday” said the writer. She added “all a young child wants is some fried, fast food or at the very least, a bowl of mac and cheese”
Parents, do you agree with that statement?
Some trips were taken around the United States and some as far as Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Italy and many more. Most flights were long and some were over 24 hour periods with long layovers. We find it a joy to see the world with them. They are a blessing and delight to our lives…never once seen as inconvenient or ‘more destructive than custom agents and harder to please’ (quoting the caption on a picture in the article).
The truth of the matter is, traveling with kids is not always easy…who says parenting is easy. But we love them and like having them with us while we see the world. Some questions came to mind after reading the article:
Are children’s staple food consisting of only French fries, nuggets and mac and cheese? The so-called convenient fast food?
What’s happening to parenting? Who is in control of a situation? Why does junior need a variety and five suitcases for a vacation?
Here is my take on dining while traveling with kids (and parenting):
1. You respect other people’s cultures. You eat whatever is served unless it is dirty and/ or from animal’s parts you can’t handle.
2. Parents know what is best for their children. In certain situations, children are not wise enough to choose and the parents’ decision should be the best for them. Parents are in control and not the children (10 years and below) when it comes to decision-making.
3. Learn self-control. Children, as little as one, are able to learn self-control.
4. The world does not revolve around you, my children. During a vacation, it is about meeting the needs of the whole family, not just the children.
5. Junior doesn’t need excessive things or variety. If we let them have an excessive lifestyle in their everyday life, that behavior is bound to happen during vacation.
6. Children desire our attention and want to connect with us. If we have not spent time with our children on a daily basis, how can we expect our children to connect with us during vacation?
7. Children need boundaries and discipline when they are young.
For the past few years I’ve seen a disturbing trend in Asia, particularly Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong where most children are placed in the care of nannies, grandparents or house help from Indonesia, Philippines or Vietnam. Mom and Dad leave for work early in the morning and come home late at night or just enjoy the pleasures of life through their accumulated wealth.
I’ve seen it first hand, a lack of connection between children and parents. There is really no difference between everyday living and vacationing when it comes to parenting. We are their role models. More on this next time…
With that said, I disagree with the article written on June 20, 2011 by Elaine Ee published by CNNgo.com Singapore. This is not a criticism on the writer or publication. It is just a difference in opinion. I encourage parents to travel with children regardless of their age. They are only young once… happy traveling! Please leave your comment below.
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Well said!! We’ve had the same experience, our kids are now 9-15, and they HATE fast food and prefer Pad Thai, or anything else “real.”
My oldest is a super picky eater. But funny enough, when we travel, he is way more open to eating new stuff than he would ever at home.
I think you hit the nail on the head! Successful family traveling starts with proactive parenting way before you buy your tickets. Great article!
I agree that traveling with kids is way more fun! Since flying with young kids is hard, especially when doing it alone without help, I launched http://www.nannyintheclouds.com. The site matches moms traveling with young kids with babysitters already booked on the same flight. Check us out!
Maybe some parents what their kids to “make decisions.” It certainly takes the pressure off of them to be “the Parent.” Good observation.
Claudi, I love what you said here: “The world does not revolve around you, my children. During a vacation, it is about meeting the needs of the whole family, not just the children.” The problem is that in many families, the world revolves around their children all the time…traveling is no different. So it’s not surprising that children expect the world to revolve around them when on vacation. Suddenly they expect their children to be easy going, instead of the high maintenance children they’ve been raised to be.
Great article Claudia!
Haha – you’re much nicer than me. I’m totally criticizing the site and the author, because I think it’s irresponsible to give new parents the notion that traveling with kids is hard.
Truth…”Children desire our attention and want to connect with us. If we have not spent time with our children on a daily basis, how can we expect our children to connect with us during vacation?” It all starts before the vacation…eating habits, and all!
We love and live #4: The world does not revolve around the children all the time. Certainly we focus a lot of attention on what they would enjoy, we slow our pace of travel and we linger longer because our kids help set the pace. But we also do a lot of things that we enjoy, like kayaking. Kayaking isn’t their favorite activity because it requires them to sit fairly still…but we balance it by anchoring down and then swimming in the ocean and snorkeling when they get too ancy. Life, Travel & Parenting is a balance.
So good to read about your thoughts on travelling with children.
We have four of our five boys travelling with us – and they too love trying out new food, new experiences and new adventures! We don’t take too much stuff with us, nor do we have to!
Our boys are happy outside, exploring their environment and making their own fun. We don’t agree with any of the 5 Rules of travelling with kids that were in the CNNGO article! Good to read about your ideas and your travelling experience – your children must have had the best adventures as they were growing up!
Cheers
Lisa
I agree with lots said here but one thing I disagree with is not letting the child be in control. Of course it needs to be within reason but we allow our children to take the lead and to make decisions all the time. I think it is good for their self esteem to know that we trust them, it makes it easier for them to trust themselves.
My job as a parent is never to control my kids but rather to guide them to follow whatever path leads to their happiness. They will surprise you most times and even when completely left up to them they do not choose the nuggets:)
Great information Claudia and loved your 7 points too. Thanks for sharing the “world of travel” as I call it.
I much prefer your list of rules, and especially concur with the notion that you shouldn’t expect travel to be easy as parenting isn’t easy. Maybe it’s because we both have older kids, but experience does give you a better understanding of what’s important. At least, I like to think so.
Good and concise list of parenting advice ! Giving your kids more and more stuff, sticking them with other adults to raise them and making material things and wealth the priority in your life may result in a sad future for your child. Not meaning to be so harsh, but our children are only with us for a short time and I feel we should be with them, love them and guide them. Cherish the time we have with them. Not stuff and money …
Susan
Useful tips!
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