One-On-One Getaways with Kids

Although it is amazing to travel with my whole family, it is special to be able to sometimes only have one kiddo with me. At first, I thought it would be odd leaving one kid behind, but it has turned out to be an amazing experience for our whole family. These one-on-one getaways are something we both look forward to. Here is why it’s important to have One-On-One Getaways with Kids:

DIFFERENT INTERESTS

One of my girls is sporty and loves anything active and my other is artsy and loves a creative destination. One vacation is filled with water slides, hikes, and trampoline parks and the other with museums, plays, and bookstores. It’s nice to foster their interests without having to worry if the other is bored.

FORCES ENCOURAGES PARENTS TO DO STUFF

Did I really want to go back to the indoor waterpark in the morning? Of course not, but I ended up having a great time racing her down the slides. Did I really want to see that musical? Nope, but I ended up loving it and even buying the soundtrack. These trips give me a little nudge to do things I may not have done.

no fightiNG SIBLINGS

My girls can bicker like champs…Olympic pros. One kid = no fighting and therefore no need for mom to play referee. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I love hearing them tell each other what they did while they were away. I also love seeing that they text each other or Facetime just to chat.

KIDS FEEL IMPORTANT

My girls feel so special when they get to be the center of my attention. They don’t have to wait to tell a story or share their time. Even as teenagers, they still like to get my undivided attention. They love their sister, but it is nice to get a taste of what it would be like to be an only child.

QUALITY TIME INDIVIDUALLY

I’ve had some really deep conversations with my girls that probably wouldn’t have happened if their sister were there. It’s so nice to hear their secrets and make inside jokes. It’s also a great time to have age-appropriate talks.

PARENT AT HOME GETS SPECIAL TIME

The kid that’s left at home gets to have tons of fun with dad, who always plans something special. He always takes them out to dinner and there’s usually ice cream involved in their night. The quality time they gain is just as important as what we’re getting.

OUT OF SCHOOL

Nothing screams fun to a kid more than skipping school. I occasionally let them skip a day of school because I feel family time is priceless. They are required to make up any work they miss, but it is worth it because we’re creating lifelong memories.

FOOD CHOICES

Just as my kids have different interests, they also have different food preferences. On one trip we may head out for some lobster (with no mayo because she hates it) and on the next we search for the perfect sushi roll.