Family Holidays - Children know best (don't they?)
I write this as an average parent in the 21st century with three children who are both lovely and challenging at the same time. We all want what's best for them, and we all think we know what's best. But we live in an age where we answer to our children more and more. They are listened to and catered for far more than we were thirty years ago. Children have more autonomy, more freedom and perhaps more power than ever before, so it's not surprising that very often, they think they know best. It's true that they should be listened to. Their views are often untainted, enlightening and uninhibited.
So what has this got to do with family adventure holidays? Well, there are many parallels where children think they know what's best. There are travelling with children times when they just want to eat chocolate, watch TV, play on their DS/Playstation/Wii etc...
Few would disagree that you should try to keep this kind of thing under control, put some limits and rules in place and introduce a balance of outdoor games and activities. And I believe it is the same with the decision on where to go when travelling with children. Last year my kids wanted beach, sun and waterslides. I wanted mountains, activities and adventure. So we listened to each and agreed a compromise. We headed down to the Pyrenees and had a fantastic mix of cycling, sailing, rafting, beach, sand and sea. Guess what they said the best thing was (clue - it involves helmets and buoyancy aids)...
So listen to them. Ask them what their perfect holiday would be. And then please apply some moderation and limits and introduce some kind of compromise so that they learn and develop as well as relaxing.
We've designed a simple kids holiday questionnaire and a kids 'inspire me' page for younger children. Ask your kids to complete them individually and then compare notes. And of course you can contact Families Worldwide for some advice on how to choose what's right for your family.