Well I don't know about you, but June flew by for our family. And so here we are in July and this month and
next many families will be heading out on vacation. Whether that's to a traditional spot like the beach or the
mountains, or a new exciting adventure to a place far away, a little planning away can help make it a smooth
trip.

Some tips from my first book (and my own experience)

1. Balance planned activities with some downtime - A week at the beach or the lake may be exactly what
the parents need, but kids may find it a little boring. Make sure you break up those types of vacations with
little day trips or adventurous activities. If you're going to a busy location (like Disneyworld) make sure you
plan for some down time, either every afternoon or at least one day in the middle of the week.  
Over-stimulation makes for cranky kids.

2. Are we almost there? - There is only one right answer to that question if you're taking a long drive or
plane ride with your family this summer.  "Yes, we are almost there." DVD players are an easy solution for
keeping kids occupied in the car, but also mix in some surprise treats or new games or toys from the dollar
store that you can give them every 2 hours or so.  Read out loud to the whole family from a Readers Digest
or Encyclopedia Brown book, or whatever is appropriate for your children.  For younger kids, the Color
Wonder activity pads are a no mess option for either the car or plane ride.  Bring a ball or frisbee if you need
to get out and stretch your legs at a rest stop too.

3. Plan B- Many of us assume we will have good weather on our summer vacation, but if your happiness
depends on the weather, you could be in trouble. Before you book, check out some indoor activities near
your vacation spot just in case of rain.  Hopefully you will only need plan b on one or two days!

4.  Democracy rules - Give your kids a say in the vacation destination or the activities that you do while you
are there. It's the only way to insure that all your children are happy at least some of the time.

5. Easy packing - Before packing, make a general list for all family members. For instance: 5 shorts outfits,
3 pajamas, 3 beach cover ups, 5 towels,etc.  Then sit with each child as they pull out the clothes they want
to take. Give them each a small bag to fill with books, games, videos, etc. Don't try to pack it all on the
morning you leave.  Start a couple days before with clothes and linens, then pack toys and dry food and just
leave the sundries and cold food until the last minute.

6. Take those things with you that you've been putting off - For parents, you may want to take a list of
phone numbers for people you've been meaning to call, or addresses for people you've been meaning to
write to or a stack of magazines that you've been meaning to read.  Vacation allows us to let our minds
wander and relax so what a great time do all those things that have taken a back seat while you're home
and working.

7. Scrapbooking - speaking of putting off, how about those kids' scrapbooks? Take all your items in an
according file or plastic box and take a day or night to scrap book. This is a great rainy day activity if you are
at the beach or in the mountains.
Organize your home, office, your life...
with Space to Spare!
Debbie Lillard
Professional
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Vacation Time is here - Don't panic!