Latest news with #familyvacation
Forbes
14 hours ago
- Health
- Forbes
3 Ways To Prevent A ‘Vacation Meltdown' With Kids, By A Psychologist
Do your family vacations leave you more drained than delighted? Here are three ways to outsmart the ... More chaos and make every moment count, with your sanity intact. Recreation is a powerful way to connect and bond with your family. Family vacations, in particular, give you and your family a chance to get away from the monotony of everyday routine and be fully present with one another. Although, as parents, this can be a challenging experience. In the process of managing your child's energy dips to navigating teenage mood swings, while trying to make it all 'worth it' for everyone, vacations can be more overwhelming than relaxing. However, it doesn't always have to be stressful. The key to remedy this is better preparation. While you definitely cannot predict or foresee the ups and downs that may happen, you can certainly make a plan catering to your family's needs, which can make a major difference. Here are three ways to plan a better vacation with your family, based on research. As a parent, you'll likely do most of the planning for the trip, while trying to keep everyone's preferences in mind, which can be a lot to juggle. A better and more harmonious way to do the planning is by involving everyone, including your kids and teenagers. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Travel Research explored how children's involvement in family travel decisions is influenced by their own knowledge and emotional connection to tourism, as well as by the family's communication style. Researchers found that children who are more knowledgeable about travel and feel emotionally attached to it tend to have a greater influence on both initiating trips and making decisions about activities. Additionally, families that encourage open and concept-oriented communication allow children to participate more actively in planning. Based on the study's findings, one practical suggestion for better vacations is to engage in open communication within the family when planning trips. You can do this by encouraging your children to share their ideas, preferences and concerns freely. Actively listen to them without any judgment. This reinforces the idea that everyone's voice matters and gives a sense of autonomy to each and every member of the family, making it less likely that they'll be upset or frustrated on the trip. Start with conducting family meetings or casual planning sessions where each member, regardless of age, has a say. This helps reduce potential conflicts and stress, making the trip smoother and more enjoyable for all. Ultimately, this way, as a family, you change your decision-making in a way that better reflects everyone's interests. Eventually, this leads to greater enthusiasm and cooperation during the vacation. One significant stressor during family vacations can be the pace of the trip. While the idea is to have fun, an overpacked to-do list can leave you and your children feeling more exhausted than rejuvenated. This is because when itineraries are packed without breaks, it leaves little to no time for rest, play or spontaneous fun. A nonstop schedule can deplete your children's energy, which eventually increases their irritability and reduces their ability to enjoy the trip fully. All of which equally impacts you, as a parent, causing you to feel more fatigued than rested on a trip. Research published in Tourism Review analyzed the influence of various stressors on overall vacation stress. The researchers highlight that vacation stress is a multi-dimensional concept. The three main categories are pre-trip stressors (such as planning and preparation), travel stressors (such as transportation delays) and destination stressors (stress experienced at the vacation location). Destination stressors, out of three, were identified as the strongest factor contributing to overall vacation stress. This usually happens because destination stress can feel overwhelming with the many unpredictable factors that you may encounter. These may include crowded attractions, long waiting lines, sensory overload from new sights and sounds, unfamiliar routines and sometimes even unexpected weather changes. For children, especially, these stressors can quickly lead to meltdowns or withdrawn behavior. This is an added stressor for the parents. For these reasons, intentionally creating buffer time can be a great solution. Mindfully try to incorporate it into your travel itinerary. Extra time between activities can serve as a breather for everyone to rest and recalibrate. This helps prevent the buildup of fatigue and frustration that often leads to irritability. It's important to remember that a vacation isn't a checklist to complete. Let your focus be more on doing less but doing it right, which means prioritizing quality time that suits everyone's age and needs while cherishing the time you spend together. Vacations with kids often involve adventure parks and crowded places that involve waiting in lines for long periods of time. This is a common source of tension. It's okay to acknowledge that waiting is frustrating and sometimes exhausting. You're doing your best and that counts for a lot. In this situation, turning the inevitable waiting time into playtime can make a huge difference. Try to stay lighthearted by playing simple games, telling funny stories or sharing little observations about your surroundings. You can even engage in planning future activities together while you wait to transform the experience. Encouraging kids to stay engaged not only distracts them from boredom and irritation, but also strengthens family connections. When parents stay calm and engaged, it sets a positive tone that helps kids relax, too. Bringing along snacks and small comfort items can also be a game-changer during such long waits. Hunger and fatigue can often amplify irritability for many, making patience even harder to maintain. Having familiar snacks on hand can provide quick energy boosts and a sense of comfort, which helps stabilize mood and keep spirits high. A 2024 survey conducted by Talker Research found that three and a half hours into a holiday trip is when parental stress typically peaks. One of the top reasons for this is the stress of keeping kids entertained and managing temper tantrums. What helped the most, according to 83% of parents, was having a good roster of snacks on hand. Keep in mind, you just need to find a rhythm that works for everyone. Remember to stay flexible in your approach and turn small moments into opportunities for connection. This way, even the most tedious parts of a trip can become meaningful. It's in these in-between moments, while waiting, laughing or simply being together, that some of the most cherished memories are made. To transform your vacation experience, focus on what works for your family, keeping each member in mind. Making everyone feel involved, connected and well-rested will help create more harmony and ease. One of the most powerful shifts you can make is in your mindset. Traveling with children naturally involves mood swings, tantrums and unexpected moments that will test your patience. The key is to prepare yourself to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. Things may not always go as planned and that's okay. Staying flexible and attuned to your family's needs will help you power through moments of frustration and create space for connection, even when things don't go perfectly. Are you running on empty as a parent? Take this science-backed test to find out if you're burnt out: Parental Burnout Assessment
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Woman Planned a Family Vacation, but Is Having Second Thoughts After Her 23-Year-Old Son Invited His ‘Older' Partner
A woman is no longer excited for a family vacation after finding out her son wants to bring his "older" partner and the partner's nine-year-old child The woman says her son, 23, has been dating his girlfriend for about a year and claims she is 'very controlling' The mom shared her story on a popular community forum to get advice about how she should handle the awkward situationA mom says she is no longer excited for a family vacation after finding out that her son wants to bring his "older" partner and the partner's child. The woman detailed her experience on the 'Am I Being Unreasonable?' forum on the U.K.-based community site a place where women can go to seek input and advice from other women. In her post, the woman shares that she and her husband have three children — two teens and a 23-year-old son — and that they are currently planning a vacation for next Easter in a cosmopolitan city. She says that she was 'really looking forward to' the trip — until she found out that her 23-year-old son wants to bring his partner of about a year along with her nine-year-old child. The original poster (OP) goes on to explain that her son's partner is 'very controlling.' She also says that while the partner's child is a 'sweet kid,' they are also non-verbal and have a number of behavioral issues that are 'generally very tiring.' 'We've only spent a day with [the child] before, and we were all shattered afterwards,' she says. The OP says that while her son doesn't seem to think that bringing his partner and the child on their family vacation is a 'big ask,' the rest of the family is not especially thrilled with the prospect, noting that it will 'change the whole holiday.' 'AIBU [am I being unreasonable]?' the OP asks at the end of her post. Opinions were mixed over whether or not the OP's feelings are valid. One person said they thought excluding a grown child's significant other — especially when the couple will have been dating for nearly two years — is the wrong move. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! "It'd be pretty s----- to exclude a partner of nearly two years,' they said, adding, '[And] with a child with [special needs], babysitting options are very limited, so by excluding her child you would be excluding her.' 'I would tend to agree that if someone's been with your [son] for two years (by that point) that a 'family' holiday includes them,' said someone else. 'You're talking almost a year from now. If you'd include a nine-year-old without additional needs after two years in your family then not including them [instead of] adapting to fit around them, is a bit of a d--- move tbh [to be honest].' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Other people, however, said they thought the OP's feelings were completely valid, and noted that bringing a child on a vacation that is otherwise geared for teens and adults, is not ideal, whether the child has special needs or not. 'I think it's reasonable to say that everyone's expectations of this particular holiday are grown-up things, but you can look at going away all together in the future,' one person suggested, adding, 'And then evaluate if you want to at that point if they are still together.' Another person said, 'You could be completely honest with your [son] and tell him that you think it will change the whole nature of the holiday, that the nine-year-old is going to be bored doing the things that everyone else wants to do and that you don't really want to do anything that would appeal to a nine-year-old.' They added, 'Depending on his response, it might be a perfect opportunity to ask him whether he's worried about how [his partner is] going to react to being told 'no' and if he wants to talk to you about it.' Read the original article on People
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Boy Mom Melissa Joan Hart & Her Two Sons Took ‘Cold Plunging to the Next Level' in Rare Family Photo
When Melissa Joan Hart and her kids go on vacation, they do some pretty cosmic things together. While it wasn't a full family trip, it was one we're sure they won't forget: especially since they decided to do something rather daring together. On May 30, the Sabrina the Teenage Witch star shared a sweet vacay photo on her Instagram with the caption reading, 'Taking cold plunging to the next level! #Laketahoe.' More from SheKnows Wayne Gretzky's Daughter Paulina Solidifies Style Icon Status With a Springtime Version of an LBD In the photo, we see Hart in a one-piece with two of her sons, all of whom are in Lake Tahoe. Fun fact: Lake Tahoe has famously cold waters, making it a go-to for cold plunge therapy. Per Mayo Clinic, cold plunge therapy is when you submerge yourself in cold water for a few minutes to help reduce inflammation, boost mood, and improve circulation. The family that cold plunges together, stays together. That's how that goes, right? For those who don't know, Hart and musician Mark Wilkerson married in 2003 after one year of dating. They later welcomed three sons named: Mason, born in Jan 2006, Braydon, born in March 2008, and Tucker, born in Sept 2012. In a previous chat with SheKnows at the Variety Power of Women in 2024, she spoke about being a mom to three boys. 'Three boys can be a little overwhelming…There are some tough moments, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world because it's the greatest job I've ever had,' she said to of SheKnows 19 Celebrity Parents With Trans & Nonbinary Kids 20 of Serena Williams' Most Adorable Motherhood Moments 30+ Baby Names With Ivy League Vibes — No Degree Required
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I stayed at the English seaside caravan park with private lido, Vegas-like cabanas and cosy pub
THE West Sussex town of Selsey famously has just one road in and out of it – but the seaside spot is so fun-packed, the exit lane should be scrapped. My family and I had just spent a long weekend at the Cove's Seal Bay resort, where every lodge, caravan and holiday home sits just a short stroll from the ocean. 5 5 We were staying in Green Lawns, the most rural of the site's four themed sections, which lives up to its name with a pond and trees that my sons were constantly scaling. Our classic lodge was filled with mod cons, including a deep bath, huge shower, washing machine, dishwasher and classy electric fire. For nearby food, this zone is also home to the giant Viking Bar which, despite looking like an imposing cowboy saloon from outside, is like a warm and welcoming local pub. A little farther away, the burgers, beers and ice creams at Cafe Lido are of bafflingly good quality — yet the 'double burger' is just £9.99 and the classic hotdog not even a fiver. We have holidayed on caravan sites for almost 40 years and having affordable restaurants and action-packed activites within walking distance of your home is a huge perk. But only now, after all those years, do I recognise how vital holiday parks might be for little ones with special educational needs, or even younger kids who tire more easily. When long flights, unfamiliar surroundings or sensory overloads might be too much for someone, places like Seal Bay are so important. You can choose to have the most secluded and private break or throw yourself into eight hours of non-stop activities and entertainment. A short stroll from our lodge was the White Horse area, offering lots of sporting action. Then there's the Dockyard, which has a stunning lido, with a splash area and swimming pools surrounded by bright-orange cabanas that wouldn't look amiss in Vegas — these come at an extra charge. Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport Indoors there is a nine-hole crazy- golf course, state-of-the-art climbing wall and a death-defying bounce- playground above your heads. And around the corner is the vast and lush sports field where the Seal Bay Soccer Academy is run by brilliant staff with grade-A equipment — Mitre balls, goals, bibs, cones, hurdles and slalom poles. We had a family match against new friends Taylor, Sarah, Mick and Archie, who made the hour fly by. The largest zone in the holiday complex is West Sands, which sits right on the beach. It even has a wave simulator, Wave Rider, open May to September. We had blistering weather so spent as much time as possible on the beach or in the ocean, but the indoor Oasis Bay pool is ideal for wetter weather. We ventured down to this area on Saturday and found a giant TV screen, on the beach rocks, showing the FA Cup Final. 5 5 My boys split their time between watching Crystal Palace spring a brilliant upset over Man City and diving into the waves. Then we headed for a BBQ dinner at Smokey's Ocean Bar. There, the lads demolished the Pitmaster's Feast of brisket, pulled pork, ribs, buffalo wings, sausage, chilli and sides and somehow had room for ice-cream sundaes. A family of three were stuffed for just over £50. We used our stroll back to base camp to walk off the meat sweats but there is a courtesy bus — that loops around the park, stopping at all the key areas — plus electric bikes and pedal go-karts to hire. On Sunday we finished off with the brilliant Zorbing experience — you strap your child into a giant bubble and let them play crash-test dummies — then another swim and an archery session, before my kids slept the whole way home. And I would love to tell you we partied all weekend into the early hours but we were shattered and asleep by 8pm every day, dreaming of the next day's adventure. 5
South China Morning Post
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Meet Sunni Gaines, girlfriend of Mark Wahlberg's son Michael: the model enjoys vacations in Barbados and Fiji with her partner, and has joined the Wahlberg family on trips to Paris and the red carpet
Veteran Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg was back in the headlines earlier this year with his new film, Flight Risk. After the film's release in January, Wahlberg was spotted enjoying a family vacation in Paris with his wife and children. Wahlberg's wife Rhea , who the actor has been married to since 2009, shared snaps of the family enjoying their trip on social media. In the caption of a photo where she can be seen snuggling up to her husband, Rhea wrote, 'One of my favourite cities and one of my favourite hotels in the world and especially nice with my man.' Advertisement The Wahlbergs have four children: Ella, 21 , Michael, 18, Brendan, 16, and Grace, 15. While Ella seemed to have skipped on the family trip due to university commitments, the family was joined by Michael's girlfriend, Sunni Gaines. Here's everything to know about Sunni Gaines, the girlfriend of Mark Wahlberg's lookalike son. She's a model Sunni Gaines is a model. Photo: @sunnigainess/Instagram Sunni Gaines is a model and, according to her Instagram bio, she is signed with TNG Agency, a Las Vegas-based modelling agency, and Nomad MGMT, a global model and talent management company. She's dating Michael Wahlberg Michael Wahlberg occasionally makes appearances on Sunni Gaines' Instagram grid. Photo: Instagram While it's unclear how and when Gaines and Michael met, the actor's son makes occasional appearances on her Instagram profile, which has over 3,000 followers at the time of writing.
