Setting the rules on holiday with kids

Rules are a necessary evil at home and just as important when travelling with kids. The goal posts change a little, however, when you are away from home and it’s worth trying to stay one step ahead. I know, in our electronic world, this is easier said than done, but it is worth the effort. Once you have decided what each of your family members wants from their holiday, you can build ground rules together to avoid friction.

Electronic games for kids

In this age of Facebook, DS, iPod, DVDs and personal mobiles it’s easy to lose your children to electronic games and entertainment. A holiday can be a chance to get back to basics and avoid these altogether, or electronic entertainment can be used to keep the kids amused during long journeys. Whatever way you see it, setting a few ground rules before you go can reduce the conflict along the way. Consider limiting games to a certain number of hours a day or, as we do, say that electronics are great in the car, but they stay there when we get out. Teens might feel the need to keep in contact with friends more seriously, but it doesn’t have to be full time and a little negotiation is well worth the effort. You may even return home knowing your teen!

Domestic duties

If you are lucky enough to end up in a high end resort, you might have avoided domestic duties altogether, but most family-friendly accommodation or camping options still require a level of involvement. When travelling with kids, their duties might include cooking, cleaning, laundry, doing the dishes, putting up the tent or trailer and breaking camp. In self-contained accommodation the list is similar except, of course, for the camping bits. It’s important to avoid one member of your family doing all the domestics while the others have a holiday. Why not work out a fair schedule? Or hand out one job to each family member? Even little ones can tackle hanging up the wet towels at the end of the day!

For more information about travelling with kids in Australia, visit www.kidswelcome.com.au