What’s the Best Parenting Advice I’ve Ever Heard? “Always Take the Trip”

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When I was seeking parenting wisdom, I turned to my friend Jamie, a mom of three remarkable kids who are just a tad older than my own trio. Jamie and her husband exemplify what it means to be fantastic parents, so naturally, I was eager to hear her top tip. I expected something about love, discipline, or maybe consistency, but her response caught me off guard:

“Always take the trip,” she said with a sparkle in her eye. “Whenever you find yourself torn about whether to take that vacation, just go for it! Spend the money, carve out the time. You only have a limited number of years to create those precious family moments before your kids get swept up in their own lives. You’ll never regret those memories.”

I took her advice to heart, and as I reflect on my 16 years of parenting, our family trips stand out as the most cherished times. It’s not merely about being on vacation; it’s the myriad of ways travel enriches us, both individually and as a family.

Here are some of the fantastic benefits of traveling together:

1. Family Time Central: It can be tricky for even the closest families to carve out quality time together amidst work, school, and life’s chaos. Traveling yanks us away from our daily grind, allowing us to focus on each other. Sure, not every moment is a Hallmark card, but the forced togetherness — for better or worse — creates lasting bonds.
2. Step Out of the Comfort Zone: Vacations are not just about lounging; they’re opportunities to push our boundaries. Different beds, new foods, and unfamiliar faces can be a refreshing shake-up. These experiences forge connections and create memories that we’ll treasure.
3. Embracing the Unexpected: Travel is all about surprises! Whether it’s a lost suitcase or a spontaneous change in plans, these hiccups teach us to be flexible and resilient. In a world that’s always changing, these traits are crucial for thriving.
4. Gaining Perspective: One of the coolest aspects of traveling is the chance to see how other people live. While international adventures broaden our cultural horizons, even trips within our own country expose us to diverse lifestyles. This exposure builds empathy and understanding, reminding us of the challenges others face.
5. Sensory Experiences Create Memories: The world is a sensory delight! Photographs are great, but nothing compares to the smell of the Redwoods, the tickle of ocean waves on your toes, or the awe of standing at the edge of a grand canyon. Experiencing these moments together creates memories that last a lifetime. Our kids often reminisce about trips, triggered by certain scents or songs that transport them back to those special times.

We’re grateful for every adventure we’ve embarked on as a family, including our year-long journey around the country as modern nomads. We may not be rolling in dough (if only!), but we find ways to make travel happen. We shop thrift stores, scour garage sales, and tighten our wallets in other areas so we can explore. Plus, traveling doesn’t always mean a grand vacation; even a weekend camping trip can give us that much-needed family escape.

We’ve wholeheartedly embraced Jamie’s mantra — always take the trip. There’s not a single moment we regret, and I’m confident we never will.

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In conclusion, the best advice I received about parenting is to prioritize experiences over material things. The memories we create through travel are priceless treasures that enrich our lives.