How Can We Encourage Our Kids to Just Enjoy the Journey?

home insemination Kit

When I was a child, my parents could count on my brother and me to join them on any adventure without a single complaint. We would eagerly jump into the car, excited for whatever destination they chose—even if it was just a local pizza joint that served pies tasting like cardboard. Growing up in sunny California, our dining adventures often took us to places like Mike’s Pizza or Chris & Pits, where the food was mediocre at best. Occasionally, we’d splurge on a trip to Sizzler, relishing the all-you-can-eat buffet.

As for vacations, we didn’t stray too far. Our family road trips typically clocked in at around five hours, focusing on familiar spots like Las Vegas, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, and even some less glamorous locations in Mexico. I often joke that I might not remember those trips at all if not for the pictures proving we actually went!

Fast forward to today, and I’m a dad to two kids—one about to start high school and the other embarking on fourth grade. I had vowed that when I became a parent, my wife and I would never skimp on vacations, dining, or entertainment. Yet, I’ve found that our extravagant plans come with their fair share of headaches. Instead of enthusiastic cheers when we share exciting vacation plans, we hear endless questions about hotels, activities, and requests to go elsewhere.

As I write this during a family getaway to Montreal—a lovely five-and-a-half-hour drive from our home in Connecticut—I can’t help but hear the grumbling from the kids in the hotel room. While the car ride was smooth, I was met with comments about how flying would have been quicker. I found myself justifying our choice to drive for cost reasons, all while feeling a simmering frustration. Thankfully, once we crossed the border, the thrill of being in a new country seemed to win them over, at least for a little while.

Every aspect of our trip, from dining out to choosing activities, turns into a negotiation. Having settled down in Southern Connecticut, we are just a short drive from New York City, a hub of amazing yet pricey restaurants. My kids have enjoyed dining in more five-star establishments before they even turned five than I did by the time I graduated college. While I adore that they’ve had these amazing experiences, I can’t help but wish they would simply go with the flow and trust our decisions as parents. Maybe the solution lies in a visit to one of those mediocre pizza joints the next time we’re in L.A. That might just teach them!

If you’re interested in more insights on parenting and family life, feel free to check out our other blog posts on topics that matter to you.

Summary

Encouraging children to embrace new experiences without pushing back can be challenging. While the author reminisces about their own childhood where they accepted family outings without question, they now face the reality of negotiating plans with their kids. Despite having access to wonderful restaurants and vacation destinations, the constant pushback leaves them longing for a simpler time. Perhaps a dose of nostalgia could help teach their children to trust their parents’ choices.