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- How Can We Encourage Our Kids to Embrace the Journey?
by Jamie Thompson
Updated: July 2, 2020
Originally Published: September 30, 2015
Growing up, I recall my parents’ every whim becoming an adventure for my brother and me. We would eagerly jump into the car, ready to explore wherever they chose to take us.
Living in sunny California, our culinary experiences often revolved around local favorites like Joe’s Pizza (which tasted a lot like cardboard) and the charmingly basic Chris & Charlie’s BBQ. On special occasions, we might even enjoy Sizzler, reveling in the all-you-can-eat buffet.
Our family vacations didn’t take us far, but we never complained about our destinations—fearful of the unknown consequences of voicing our discontent. Our trips typically included scenic drives to popular spots within a five-hour radius, such as Las Vegas, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, and budget-friendly destinations in Mexico like Tijuana. I often wonder if I’d even remember those vacations if it weren’t for the photos we took!
Fast forward to today, as a parent of two—one about to enter high school and the other in fourth grade—I find myself reflecting on my childhood promise to ensure our travels and dining experiences would be extravagant. However, these so-called “fancy” outings often come with a hefty dose of stress. Instead of cheers of excitement about our meticulously planned adventures, my kids frequently bombard us with questions about the hotel, activities, and amenities. “Can we go somewhere else?” has become a familiar refrain.
Even now, while writing this article during a vacation, I hear my children’s grumbling from the hotel room. We decided on a late-summer trip to Montreal, a delightful five-and-a-half-hour drive from our home in Connecticut. The journey was relatively smooth, yet the halfway point brought complaints about how flying would have been much quicker. I felt compelled to defend our choice to drive, but inside, my frustration simmered. Thankfully, the thrill of being in a new country helped us push through to the hotel, which surprisingly earned their approval. Now, enjoying our time in this vibrant city, my thoughts are consumed with, “Can we agree on just one activity during our five-day stay?” and “Can we manage a half-day without any disagreements?”
The same struggle extends to dining and other plans, from lunch outings to movie nights. Since moving to the East Coast and settling in Southern Connecticut—just a stone’s throw from New York City, home to some of the best yet pricey eateries—my children have had their share of exquisite meals. By age five, they had dined at more five-star restaurants than I did through college. While I know they appreciate these experiences, it doesn’t stop them from arguing about where to eat on any given night.
I cherish the incredible opportunities we’ve given our kids and love sharing these experiences. Yet, I’m still trying to figure out how to encourage them to simply go along for the ride and recognize that, as parents, we have the final say. Perhaps a visit to a nostalgic spot like Chris & Charlie’s next time we’re in LA will set them straight!
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In summary, while navigating the complexities of family outings and experiences, it’s essential to foster a sense of adventure and acceptance in our children. By balancing our plans with their feedback, we can create enjoyable memories together.