The importance of family travel

"Are we there yet?" What parent has heard that little voice coming from the backseat of the car five minutes after driving out of the garage at the beginning of a long trip and hasn't sighed and asked themselves, "Is this all really worth it?" When it comes to taking your children along on trips, the answer is "absolutely."

In fact, going on trips with your children is without question one of the single most important parenting activities that you can ever do. There is simply no substitute for travel. It's an enormous teaching opportunity for your children in a myriad of ways. Not only is traveling with your kids the best possible way for parents and children to bond with each other, it inevitably provides a host of teachable moments.

The first important value that travel provides for your children is that it teaches them how important they are to you. Inevitably, when you take your kids with you on a trip, it is a simple yet direct way of communicating their importance in your life. As you undoubtedly know, children learn a thousand times more by actions than they do by words.

Telling them that they matter to you, that you love them, that they are important in your life is all well and good (and of course you ought to do it), but there is no substitute for the message that is communicated to them in their guts and in their souls by the fact that you have chosen to spend one of the most valuable things you own -- your time -- with them.

They learn not by the words that you say, but by the things that you do with them that show then that they matter, that they are significant people to you and that you are willing to spend your time and money to include them in a special part of your life.

The benefits of family holidays

To know each other

Often, the holiday season also brings an awareness of a change in a loved one’s capabilities. Family members may notice tasks that used to bring joy are now overwhelming. Keep in mind that more individuals are reluctant to ask for help. Be proactive and help the seniors in your life take appropriate action. For example, adult children should have the talk.

 Many times seniors struggle with how to tell their children what’s really going on in their lives. Likewise there are many topics that seniors themselves should begin discussing with their children and other loved ones. Many aging issues can be solved by providing a loved one with the support he or she needs.

To help people relaxing

Family holidays are great occasion for each member of the family to get relaxed. Modern family lives are full of tensions and stress. Only a peaceful environment can help them to forget the tensions and rejuvenate the mind and body to lead the life more actively and happily.

For successful family life

Gatherings with your relatives may be more important than you think. Familial encounters not only provide positive experiences, but also can play a large role in successful and happy life. Face-to-face contact provides the contextual part of what it means to be family. People who cultivate extended family relationships are at an advantage emotionally and are often more successful in their personal lives.