Travel has been one of the most rewarding experiences in life. I LOVE travel and wanted to share this joy with my children. Since my oldest was studying the state capitals, I decided to take all of them to Washington D.C., along with my niece. At the time, the kids were ages 7, 9, 10 and 11. I wanted to instill a love of travel because I had dreams of taking them on great travel adventures one day!
“You can’t travel by yourself with the kids,” my mother worried. “That’s too dangerous!”
Believing travel to be incredibly worthwhile, I decided to teach some basics to ensure safety and happiness. I shared my enthusiasm and invited the kids into the planning. I never told them the trip would be dangerous. Instead, I dug into education and preparation prior to departure. Little bits unfolded over two months, which grew into more bits of fun and excitement for the upcoming adventure!
We had two important skills to refresh!
First, we reviewed “German shepherd,” a loving term for obedience to the words, “COME,” “SIT,” “STAY.” Whether you like the terminology or not, I believe my children MUST be fluent in German shepherd or the trip is neither safe nor fun.
Second, we remembered how to “be a duck.” In summers past, we’d enjoyed watching the baby ducks hover near their mother in the pond. When mama duck turned, the pod of fluffy babies would scoot along with her–no organized pattern, they simply stayed close. It was the babies who tracked where mama duck went. If ducklings wandered, mama duck squawked and the baby came right back! I taught my kids to “be a duck” early in life.
Kids learn so easily from watching animals! Plus, practicing “be a duck” and “German shepherd” fits easily and often into daily life. Refreshing these skills proved helpful.
Next, it was time to orient the kids to Washington D.C.
Knowing kids learn best with movement, play and using all their senses, we stretched masking tape on the carpet. The kids wrote the road names on the tape. We plotted the major landmarks they wanted to visit. We had library books about Washington D.C. for reference. They learned where the Potomac River flowed, about the reflecting pond and the Smithsonian, put little army men on the Vietnam Memorial, and more.
What I learned:
NEVER use masking tape on your carpet! Use painter’s tape instead.
Everything learned with movement and fun, the kids learned best! Joy stayed when we PLAYED through the learning. Hold loosely to expectations, both while learning and while traveling!
Always carry food, water, and a flat bed sheet. An impromptu picnic and rest helps tremendously. The kids mirrored my attitude, so I needed that food, water and rest as much as they did.
When things do NOT go as expected, treat it as an adventure and then treat the kids as allies. Celebrate as they rise into the role.
Education and preparation makes your travel sweeter and safer, leading to a more fun adventure!
