Traveling home this summer? I’m sure you’re experiencing feelings of excitement and anticipation- maybe even anxiousness.
Check out my recommended list, the Do’s and Don’ts for a fun-filled, stress free vacation!
1. DO remember that this is YOUR family vacation!
It’s important to carve out time with just your spouse and kids. This will help keep everyone connected. Enjoy time with those you don’t see on a regular basis, but remember that your kids still need time with YOU!
Take them out for a lunch date to your favorite eatery, or an ice cream run! Decide on an activity as a family, then take the day to reconnect and create some new memories!
2. DO hold your parenting ground!
Taking the kids to grandma & grandpas is an opportunity for extra love and spoiling. This is a chance for them to bond and build a relationship with your children face to face, vs. FaceTime.
However, it is okay to set some boundaries that you know work best for your family. Whether its activities, products, foods or extra sweets, be confident in the fact that you are the parent and you know what is best!
3. DO date your spouse!
Back home, you have happy, willing, free babysitters! Regular date nights can be scarce for the military family.
It’s a time to reconnect and recharge.
Go show your significant other more of where you came from. Take them to your favorite spot as a child, a park you grew up near, or your high school hang out.
4. DO budget!
Oh how EASY it is to go overboard on vacation! And thats completely ok!
Just make sure you planned and prepared, so you aren’t regretting it later. Hold a money meeting with the family months before your travel date.
Map out your plans, then get to saving!
Fun activity- start a “Coin Jar” Label it and keep it someplace central to see. Each family member adds coins in the jar, then the week of vacation, sort, count, and deposit!
It’s a great opportunity to teach your kids about money and to get the them contributing to the process.
5. DO remember that you moved away!
It is easy to have high, or unrealistic expectations of “home” after we’ve been gone awhile.
REALITY CHECK- you’ve grown, experienced, and changed! Your life now is different than your life back then.
It is important to remember and understand that things, people, and views, may be different from the last time you were back.
