Traveling with adult children
Apr 21st, 2005, 01:15 PM
#21
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Last summer, my wife and I took our then 27 year old daughter and her husband to Ireland for two weeks. I have a trip report floating around the bowels of the Fodor's Archives, if you are interested, but my most important advice is that -- as in all Parent/Child relationships -- Communication is key. Rotate the Navigator duties in the front seat, understand what sights will interest the other parties and make subtle detours and stops to accommodate them.
Bear in mind, that driving in Ireland is not ANYTHING like driving across Kansas, trying to get somewhere different. Every turn of the road, every crest of the hill will reveal some new, exciting vista, a crumbling, old Keep, or a charming, colorful scenic splendour, crying out, "PHOTO OP!!".
Listen to Irish radio (an adventure in it's own right), take in the constantly changing countryside and TALK.
It should be a WONDERFUL adventure.
Enjoy!
Bear in mind, that driving in Ireland is not ANYTHING like driving across Kansas, trying to get somewhere different. Every turn of the road, every crest of the hill will reveal some new, exciting vista, a crumbling, old Keep, or a charming, colorful scenic splendour, crying out, "PHOTO OP!!".
Listen to Irish radio (an adventure in it's own right), take in the constantly changing countryside and TALK.
It should be a WONDERFUL adventure.
Enjoy!
Apr 21st, 2005, 02:24 PM
#22
<Once a mom, always a mom> true but doesn't always make for the best traveling companion.
Honestly in my late 20's I wouldn't have been caught dead on a vacation with my parents, so you're ahead of the game in that department.
Now... add 20 more years, we have all mellowed and enjoy a trip together every few years.
That said, for "children" over the age of 15 I don't think it benefits anyone for you to feel responsible to "make the time fun" by bringing along toys.
I do mean this most kindly and gently. Let go of some of the control is the contribution you can make IMO.
Honestly in my late 20's I wouldn't have been caught dead on a vacation with my parents, so you're ahead of the game in that department.
Now... add 20 more years, we have all mellowed and enjoy a trip together every few years.
That said, for "children" over the age of 15 I don't think it benefits anyone for you to feel responsible to "make the time fun" by bringing along toys.
I do mean this most kindly and gently. Let go of some of the control is the contribution you can make IMO.
Apr 21st, 2005, 02:44 PM
#23
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Worktowander that was some
<font color="red"> excellent advice.
<font color="black">I am going to email that to a girl who works for me who is driving with her adult children to Florida. I personally think that is what planes are for. Anyway she is just thinking about how much fun and togetherness there is going to be. And I am thinking mmmmmmmmmmmm just wonderful. I would rather poke out my eye. Did I mention she is bringing the dog in the car. She also is doing all the scheduling and did not consult or ask opinions. It sounds like a disaster waiting to happen to me. Thanks for the great tips. </font></font>
<font color="red"> excellent advice.
<font color="black">I am going to email that to a girl who works for me who is driving with her adult children to Florida. I personally think that is what planes are for. Anyway she is just thinking about how much fun and togetherness there is going to be. And I am thinking mmmmmmmmmmmm just wonderful. I would rather poke out my eye. Did I mention she is bringing the dog in the car. She also is doing all the scheduling and did not consult or ask opinions. It sounds like a disaster waiting to happen to me. Thanks for the great tips. </font></font>
Apr 21st, 2005, 07:10 PM
#24
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Well, I'm happy to have such thoughtful responses....new to all of this, and this Fodor thing is such fun. Even if some of you have given me a bit of a hard time, I love reading all of your opinions........I especially like being reminded how wonderful it is that our kids are willing to travel with us while in their 20s. I have laughed, relaxed and truly think of this trip as a gift. Thanks to all who've been kind enoguh to respond.
May 26th, 2005, 04:34 AM
#26
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So, I'm working on my trip report (feel like there are high standards to be met!), but in brief, it was great, with lessons learned. Off to work will post first installment tonight! Thanks for asking.
