Every parent knows, enjoying a beach trip with young children isn’t as easy as it sounds. Between cranky sunburned children, long drives, naps disrupted, and sand everywhere it can be a lot of work for parents. But with a little planning, you can have a great vacation. Make sure that you’re always cautious about water safety, no matter what age your children are. Bring snacks everywhere you go, and dress everyone appropriately for the activity. Don’t overpack your day with too many activities, and try to leave some down time. Finally, remember that no vacation goes perfectly. The more flexible you can be, the more relaxed you’ll keep the entire family. Try to roll with any changes and make the best of any situation.
Enjoying a Beach Trip with Young Children: Making the Most of Your Vacation
Water Safety
Whenever you’re around water with kids in tow, you need to be careful. When enjoying a beach trip with young children it’s especially important to keep in mind water safety. Never leave kids unattended near a pool or ocean. In the ocean, make sure that children wear life jackets or floaties, and keep a hand on them at all times. Be on the lookout for riptides or other dangers.
Bring Snacks…Everywhere
Another key to enjoying a beach trip with young children is to bring the right equipment everywhere you go. And usually, that means snacks. Plan to bring along snacks and water if you go to the beach, pool, for a bike ride, and for any long drives. Also plan to bring some toys for any rainy days or downtime while you pack up. Put the proper sun protection on children so they don’t get sunburned.
Don’t Overpack Your Day
Another thing that can help with enjoying a beach trip with young children is to avoid overfilling your days with too many activities. While bored children are destructive children, it’s also not great to over-tire them. Plan for a morning and afternoon activity, but try to maintain some quiet rest time during the hottest part of the day.
Be Flexible
Finally, remember that when enjoying a beach trip with young children or really any kind of vacation whatsoever, it’s best to be flexible. Things are going to go wrong, it’s inevitable. Instead of stressing about it, try to go with the flow. The more you stress, the more anxious your children will be. Instead, try to make a game of it. For example, if it rains, instead of being sad about the pool day, try a movie or a walk in the rain together.
Enjoying a beach trip with young children isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Traveling with youngsters can be a lot of work for parents and can leave them feeling like they need a vacation from their vacation. Try to make the most of your vacation by planning in advance and bringing along snacks everywhere you go. Pack some special toys or activities that will hold their attention. Don’t over-plan your days, and leave some room for down time. Be flexible when plans change and try to maintain a positive attitude. Finally, be mindful of water safety a