Tips for a Successful Family Outing

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Family

July 25, 2013

Have you ever come home from a family outing and sworn to never again put yourself through such an ordeal? You imagined spending a perfect day with your kids but nothing went as planned and your outing was cut short because of whining and crying. How frustrating!

Perhaps you simply weren’t prepared enough. A little planning can make all the difference when it comes to family activities. Here are a few tips to help you organize your next family outing!

To ensure each member of your family has fun and fully benefits from the outing, it is wiser to plan your day. Here are a few useful tips.

Before the outing

Talk to your kids about the activity you have planned so they’ll look forward to it and want to go along.
Prepare a bag of essentials: tissues, small first-aid kit, Tylenol/Advil, snacks, water bottles, sun screen, insect repellent, baby wipes, a change of clothes for children potty trained less than six months ago, and of course, diapers for your very young ones.

On the big day

Check the weather forecast and dress your children accordingly.
Bring small toys, books or games to occupy your children on the way to your wherever you're going.
Once you’ve arrived, explain to your children what is expected from them (example: appropriate behaviour, always staying close or within sight, etc.)
Once on site, it’s also important to agree on a rendezvous point in the event you get separated.
When the outing is almost over, give your kids a heads up to avoid arguments or tantrums when the time comes to leave.

After the outing

If your kids aren’t too tired, ask them in turn what they liked the most and the least about the outing.
It is now time to find some peace after your busy day. Opt for some soft music and a round of the Silence Game.
When you tuck in your child that night, take a second to commend him on something he did during the outing (example: “I’m proud of you! I saw you pick up that juice box and put it in the garbage.”) Tell your child how much you enjoy days like these, that they will become important memories for the whole family.

Remember that for a child, each moment spent outside the house with his parents is extremely fulfilling. It’s a chance to exercise, get some fresh air, and to experience something new while feeling secure and loved. Even if family outings are not always easy, do not give up, spending time with your children is the best way to show them your love.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN and stock up on great memories!