For your kids first overnighter By Jennifer Eblin Going away to summer camp can be exciting and scary for kids, especially going to an overnight camp. You can lessen your children's stress or anxiety by doing a few things before your child heads off. Start Planning Start by choosing a summer camp that fits your child's likes and dislikes. A little boy who loves playing soccer, or a girl who loves riding horses might feel left out and homesick at a camp that focuses on arts and crafts. Try to find a camp that focuses on something your child likes, and let them get involved in picking out a summer camp. For many children this will be their first time spending an extended period of time away from home. You need to make sure your child realizes this, and is comfortable being away from home. My niece was ready to go to an overnight camp ...

Guarantee great get-togethers By RM Deegan

In this day and age when family is spread all over the country the one thing that can bring them all together is a holiday. Instead of focusing on all the commercial hype of what to buy, buy, buy, the holiday can be so much more enjoyable if quality time is the focus. When family and friends gather together for a holiday, involvement should be the key to everyone feeling like they helped make it happen.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays where the only gift you give is your time. Instead of having people show up to eat a large meal you slaved over for a week, share the work load. Even people that come from out of town arrive a day or two early, so there's plenty of time.

Before they come, talk to your guests and let them participate in what will be ...

Leaving the country By Veronica Shine

The sense of adventure, excitement, and the growing curiosity of a planned trip can be shared with everyone in the family. If your goal is to expose your children to encounter culture, other people and food from around the world, then perhaps you should wait until they are at least age five. Before that, they will never remember what the trip of a lifetime was all about.

Requirements

Please be aware that everyone in your traveling party needs a valid passport, including children. Because of the backlog on applications, try to apply well in advance of your trip. Children under age 14 must submit not only proof of citizenship but proof of relationship to you. Both parents must appear with the child when applying or if both parents can not attend, obtain a notarized statement of consent authorizing passport application.

Before you Travel

Prior to taking your trip overseas, ...

Vacation package deals By Jennifer Eblin

All inclusive vacations can be the right choice for some families, but many people prefer planning their own trips because they like the freedom.

What is All Inclusive

With most all inclusive vacation packages, what you do and when you do it is mandatory. Sometimes you will be given a choice of two events such as a trip to a nearby city or a day of horseback riding, and you need to decide in advance which you want, and when you will do it. Well, what if plans change or if you want to do both? Some people prefer choosing their own options by planning a vacation. The other issue is children and all inclusive packages. Kids can be finicky, and your child might have a fear of horses now, but in six months when you go on vacation, suddenly has a love of horses. How do ...

Keep everyone entertained By Alida B

Keeping kids happy when you travel is actually quite simple when you keep in mind that beyond their obvious need for being entertained, it's an emotional experience. As the adult, being in tune with not only how WE feel about the trip, but how the child feels about making that plane trip can make a difference. And remember, each child may view the experience differently!

Before the Trip

Talk with children who are old enough to understand, one on one if possible, prior to leaving. Ask how they feel about going. Ask what they are looking forward to seeing. Ask if the trips sounds like it will be fun. Be CERTAIN to ask all 3 questions in just that way, and you will hold the key to success on helping your child feel content. Why? You'll have information to re-introduce into the conversation to remind them what ...