intentional family day trips
For parents of small kids, day trips are weekend sanity savers. They get you out of the house and allow for some exploration. As kids get older day trips become even more meaningful. Check out these tips for how to create intentional family day trips!
Intentional parenting is a big concept that is really just about having a plan and focusing on certain priorities. It’s using every opportunity to move toward the future you want for your family. It’s realizing that the job of molding your children into the people you desire them to be never offers a day off.
Before you launch out on a day trip it’s important to plan to use the time well. Sure, everyone’s goal is to have fun, get a few pictures, and maybe try a new ice cream place. But intentional parents think beyond that.
what do you want to be intentional about?
It helps if you have some family goals or character traits already identified but even if you don’t then start where you are. Think about the two or three big things you want your kids to remember from the day. Things that have almost nothing to do with the actual destination.
For example, you could think about how you want your child to practice their patience on the trip because you’ll be in the car longer than normal. Or if an argument arises over where to eat lunch then a child can learn how to negotiate, problem solve, and compromise when two people’s opinions differ.
For some reason these experiences seem to stick out more when we’re in unfamiliar environments. Use that to your advantage and look for ways to drive home a skill your child has been working to improve.
Three tips for intentional family day trips
conversation
How obvious, right!? But let this little nugget of truth sink in before you breeze past this point…
Sherry Turkle, author of Reclaiming Conversation, says “Most conversations take at least seven minutes to really begin.” Before that we are mostly just discussing logistics and catching up on recent events. It’s not until that magical seven minute mark that someone takes a chance to go deeper. This is particularly true in adult-to-adult conversations but also with kids, especially older children.
Strolling around unfamiliar streets, sitting in new restaurants, and on long car rides are the perfect opportunities for longer conversations. If its an unfamiliar dynamic for you and your child already then get prepared! A few well timed and well worded questions can break through.
teaching moments: big and small
Maybe it’s a result of pandemic isolation but it’s clear how little variety my own children have experienced these last couple of years.
Travel creates so many opportunities to discuss the big things: history, diversity, culture, etc. Those opportunities should be fully maximized but think smaller and more practical too. Seeds planted while out of the normal day-to-day can be especially impactful. For example:
Did you see someone with a unique self expression? Talk about how people choose to express individuality through clothing, hair, piercing or tattoos.
Did you have to make a pit stop for one child to potty when no one else needed to? Great chance to talk about putting the needs of others above our own desires.
These is the chance to highlight those character attributes and family goals! Don’t make it obvious or let it ruin the fun. Just observe and see what presents itself.
come off the technology
Oh, the temptation is strong. Long car rides and a child on a device is a no-brainer for most families. But consider the alternative and think about what environment you want to create.
Plugging kids in to electronics to simply get through the ride sends an unfortunate message. It teaches that extended time “stuck” with family is something to avoid. It sounds extreme but at the most basic level this is what is happening.
Instead take 20 minutes to assemble a bag of dollar-store treasures that are only meant for longer rides. A well stocked bag can keep kids entertained for 6+ hour drives (along with plenty of snacks).
The new message is simple. Kids learn that it takes time to go places and that we need to make the most of unavoidable discomfort sometimes.
where to next?
Check out our directory for day trips from Myrtle Beach.