By Carol Hutcheson
1. Consult the parents
It is a good idea to bring the parents into the planning. They will guide you in knowing the children’s medical history, eating preferences, and sleeping needs. They need to give you specific instructions for dispensing medications or handling other medical or emotional problems.
2. Bring a photo
If you have a photo with you and the grandkids, bring it in case there is an emergency. The photo gives evidence that you are family and are together.
3. Bring a letter of permission
A written permission letter from Mom and Dad would also be essential saying that they know the kids are with you and give you permission to make medical and legal decisions in their behalf if they cannot be reached. The letter would include of course the contact information of the parents. This is vital if you are traveling abroad. Contact the embassy of the nation where you are traveling to get specific requirements.
4. Taking the favorite toy, or not.
Since travel space is limited, whether a grandchild should bring certain toys is negotiable. On one hand, a certain toy may be comforting when the homesickness sets in. On the other hand, it may get lost or damaged or be in the way and limit the mementos which could be brought home.
5. Take a vacation from electrical devices
One thing that one grandmother recommended is taking a vacation from the electronic devices. She said, “The purpose of a trip is not to sit and watch a DVD or spend the entire day text-messaging friends. You can do that at home. A vacation is a time to look out the window and see the countryside, play word games, read aloud to each other or sing.
It’s a time for grandpa to tell how he met Grandma or what their father was like when he was a little boy.” If you do decide to allow these toys, the time spent on them should be limited or you defeat the purpose of the trip.
6. On the road
Remember that growing children have higher metabolisms and smaller bladders. They may need snacks. Expect and plan for pit stops. It will make traveling much nicer. In the car, rotate the seating, as well as the toys and food. Diversity eliminates boredom.
7. Take time for spontaneous activities
If you see a rock shop and kids are interested in geology, take a break and visit the shop. Planning ahead is essential, but over-planning kills the fun. And remember, Kids turn into pumpkins if they get too hot or tired.
8. Phone home each evening
Phoning home in the evening serves several purposes. It relieves the parents’ minds to know you are all safe and having a good time. It gives the kids a chance to report all their adventures and to relieve the homesickness that inevitably creeps in at night when all is still.
9. Remember, you aren’t as young as you used to be
Remember when planning a vacation with your grandkids that you aren’t as young as you used to be. Be prudent in knowing just how much you can do as well. You are perfectly capable of planning a wonderful trip with your grandkids and it will be well worth the effort.
10. Don’t hesitate to ask for help
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from local agencies or travel businesses. A vacation with Grandpa and Grandma won’t be forgotten and will pay great dividends in family relationships.
Carol Hutcheson is a retired high school English teacher. She claims her greatest accomplishment lies in rearing six successful children and being grandma to eighteen grandchildren. Her partner in that enterprise is her husband, Don, to whom she has been married forty-two years. She can be reached at Carol@LetLifeIn.com
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