What Moms and Kids Hope to Do (and Avoid) This Summer

As I drove along today, I caught a radio discussion about how important it is for mothers to take an annual vacation without kids. After the challenges of the past year, most of us agree this is more necessary than ever.

Reflecting on vacations, I remembered how I promised myself last summer that my family would enjoy a trip to the beach this year. However, here we are, and with everything feeling so uncertain, I haven’t made any plans yet. I find myself questioning if travel is even safe at this point.

Interestingly, my three teens have their own agenda. They seem eager to spend as little time with me as possible after being cooped up together for over a year. My family’s experience isn’t unique. A recent survey by Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, which involved 800 mothers with children aged 6-12, revealed that kids are craving space. Nearly 75% of moms expressed a desire for a family vacation, provided it was safe, but only half of the kids surveyed wanted to hang out with their parents. Instead, they prefer outings to amusement parks, swimming pools, or water parks over long car rides.

What Vacation Activities Are Appealing to Moms?

A remarkable 90% expressed interest in camping trips, viewing them as fantastic opportunities for family bonding in a safe environment. Personally, I’m not a camping enthusiast and would choose a hotel over a tent any day. Other popular options among moms include dining out, going to the movies, and visiting friends and family.

When we surveyed our audience about summer plans, responses varied. For example, Lisa M., a mother of two, said, “I’m modifying my annual Momcation, but it’s still happening.” Meanwhile, Sarah T. mentioned, “We’re driving to see my mom in New Jersey, sticking to CDC guidelines since my kids are the only unvaccinated individuals, and we all belong to the same household.” On the other hand, Jenna R. is opting to stay home, while Mark F. is excited about frequent beach trips with his family.

Safety Considerations for Summer Activities

With the summer of 2021 underway, it’s critical to determine what activities are safe. Dr. Tara Narula recently shared insights with CBS about maintaining a safe and healthy summer. She emphasized the importance of assessing your family’s “risk tolerance.” Are you or your children at high risk for COVID-19? Are you vaccinated?

Outdoor activities with small groups while adhering to social distancing guidelines are generally considered safe for both kids and adults, even if they’re unvaccinated. Water parks that enforce safety protocols, such as mask-wearing and regular sanitation, are also viable options. When it comes to travel, road trips are deemed the safest. Dr. Narula stressed the importance of discussing summer plans with your children, who may be feeling anxious and isolated after a challenging year.

Experts from Good Morning America agree that vaccinated individuals wearing masks can travel safely by plane. It’s essential to check the local guidelines of your destination to understand the precautions in place, as regulations can vary by state. Dr. Jon LaPook, CBS News’ chief medical correspondent, advised using common sense when assessing risk in different environments, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor settings.

As summer unfolds, it’s time for families to seize the moment and make up for lost time. Engaging in outdoor activities such as visiting pools, parks, or zoos, while maintaining social distance, provides safe and enjoyable opportunities to spend time together—whether the kids want to or not.

Helpful Resources

For more insights on home insemination and related topics, you might find this post helpful. Additionally, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.

Search Queries:

Summary:

This summer, moms and kids have differing plans, with mothers seeking family vacations while kids prefer independence. Surveys indicate that outdoor activities, road trips, and safe outings are favored, while discussions around safety and risk tolerance remain vital for planning summer adventures.