We’re about to move towards the hot and wild summer. It is very important that we’re prepared for what’s about to happen. First of all, summer will be here before we know it and if a person is not a planner, it will come whether or not you’re prepared. It’s on it’s way and several things will happen to average and every day folks. Here are a few things to consider:
1. School Will Be Out- There will be NO FREE child care. What are you going to do with your children if you’re a working mother and or dad? School teachers take care of your urchin/urchins for FREE( or through your taxes of course but… you know what I mean). Are you ready for the payment schedule of a daycare or childcare situation? Will you get a family member to help you? Who will keep your children when you go to work for these months in the summer? Will that derail your vacation plans OR are you already prepared?
2. Have You Called For Reservations? Things book in the summer. There are some vacation parents on steroids and they plan and organize long before the date they even want to go on vacation. Be sure you make those calls early so as to plan what you’ll do and where you’ll go and be sure you have a backup when you hear the words, “We’re all booked.” Do not give up. Do “something”.
3. If You’re Low On Funds- Vacation For Free- We live about 25 minutes from the Nation’s Oldest City. We have had more free vacations there than you can imagine and never do the exact same things or in any of the same order. Where can you find a “free” vacation spot to walk the streets and enjoy the sites? Every area has “some” place to visit. If you’re low on money, create a list of ideal places for visiting where you can enjoy the free sites. The main thing is that you DO go on vacation this summer.
4. Make Lists for The Vacay– NEVER and and I mean never just jump in the car and think you’re going to vacation and have fun. Miserable! You must make some kind of plan so gather together the family and make a list of things you want to do, can do, and items you will need going to do them. Everyone’s involvement will be fun and drive the excitement to come but you must engage everyone and everyone must have some stake in the plan. YaY! Fun times!
5. Set Goals– Getting ready for vacation involves everyone. During your family planning meeting, have everyone create a “to do list” so that you can get things done around the house before you go, plan for the actual trip and then discuss those chores that must be done with the return day happens. This will make for a happy family. First of all, you’ll get your house in order and return to a clean and organized home. You’ll then have a list of to do things during the trip and finally, each person will be expected to pull his or her weight to get things out of the car and back in to the house in an orderly fashion. Everyone is a worker here, not just Mom and Dad. No slackers!
6. Plan for the Financial Situation– Even a free vacation will take money so see what can be done for each member to “earn” a little money. You can set up chores, involve the grandparents or neighbors or offer incentives for each member of the family to earn money towards the vacation. Teens could have chores to be done which would put fun money in their pockets which would help everyone involved and provide them with a sense of pride for their earnings. Parents must put money aside for vacations as using the credit card is a huge NO idea.
7. Let Family and Close Friends Know of Your Plans– Sometimes when others know of your plans they can offer ideas, provide coupons, and “deals” for the up and coming trip. Too, they can often help you in keeping your pets or watching your house, etc.
8. AVOID Posting Pictures and Information Online before or during the trip unless you have someone at your home. This is just good thinking. We’re not living in the days of Ozzie and Harriet ya’ know!
9. Talk About Expectations Before the Trip, during the trip and after the trip. This is very important for the sake of everyone getting along and understanding that each person has a role in the cooperation of the plans set. Remind each person to have “something” to do in the car while riding… eg: crayons, books, earphones and electronics, etc. (Peace, peace!)
10. Most of All, Have Fun this Summer! Family vacations are so important to the well-being and happiness of a home. It will not matter if the vacay is FREE or if you spend it in a five star hotel. Taking time to go off and enjoy a place and each other is a must for a family.
Josie
