Don’t let the blizzards, ice storms and winter coats fool you.
To those in most of the country I say if you know you know.
But it really is time to look at da da da…. (or do your own drumroll)
SPRING BREAK!
I say it now because let’s face it there’s a lot of planning that goes into that trip or really any trip.
And then add Special Needs into the mix and you then have quite a laundry list of things to look at before you even schedule anything.
I think looking at the wonderful break time now helps you plan for one of 2 things
1. Plan for the planning for a trip.
Or
2. Plan for planning of the time your kids are and on Staycation.
Yes, it really comes down to this.
Either way that you do this break will still require work to prepare but honestly time on your side is a really good thing.
I remember with Elizabeth the amount of planning we did for our trip to Sanibel Island. Elizabeth was 4 and in the throes of her sensory issues and essentially non-verbal and for giggles sake, we drove from Ohio to Sanibel.
The planning was like a full-time job.
Remember this, get 4 of those.
Don’t do this, she cries when we go here
She loves the park, I wonder if there is one close by
Don’t forget her favorite toy
Did we get the headset…
Those a just a few of the 1,000 thoughts rolling through my head as we planned and I packed. With all that going on, it really is sheer luck anyone had any clothes packed at all.
And I remember how it was for our staycation and how it was to find things we could all do and enjoy and also allowing for down time and keeping the TV amount to its normal amount and not a free for all! This took a lot of work as well.
Basically, it is work, sorry but it’s true. Then the fun comes.
We had some vacations we planned well for, some we planned but they tanked and others that we so perfect I swear I wanted to it engrave everything I did into a stone for remember to do with next year.
So, with 27 years of experience now, I’m offering these vacation tips to you
Plan early- Did I say this enough? Start now. Look at your options and really look to see if they can accommodate your child’s needs and dietary restrictions, if this is also a concern.
I looked for indoor pools and fitness centers- so even if we were in the tropical area Elizabeth could swim and I could go to my therapy, I mean exercise. (Don’t forget to think of your self-care!)
But seriously, one time we were saved by this indoor pool and a neighboring mall that had rides everyone loved. Think cold front blowing in and we needed an activity
Look around and begin your planning.
Look at your child’s needs this year– We all want our kids to grow and achieve. And as they do this, their needs change. So, take a look at what they need or rely on THIS year. You cannot work off an old memo.
Elizabeth loved music on to fall asleep. One year no music, then next it was a absolute must remember.
So, take that look as well.
Staycation what is there to do? Your town may have lots to do or maybe a neighboring town or maybe it is the old “tank of gas” day trip. But do the leg work now, so you are not frantically scouring the computer after you type in “Things to do today near me”
Get input– Ask friends you trust what they did or do. Ask your family if you can, their thoughts. It helps to hear input as you begin to plan. The input stops being helpful after you put down a non-refundable deposit though, so again, early is better.
Don’t forget the sibs– I CANNOT overstate the need for this. The sibs matter! It is their vacation too and they truly do need to know their opinions about the matter and that they get to pick things too.
So, keep them in the conversation about the planning and talk with them. It saves the talking while you are dragging them to a place, they are clear they do not want to be at.
Go over plan Bs now– It does not matter how much you plan, life steps in. Maybe a sensory overload happened, or someone does not feel well. What can you do on those days? Maybe divide an conquer? Maybe it’s a quiet day for all?
In any event, talking through some scenarios can help if they do occur.
When you book, be honest about requests- I think it is best to do this when you schedule. Let them know what you need. Maybe it is a second cot. Maybe you need a frig or microwave (to cook favorite foods) Maybe end the hall in case of crying.
I have found it helpful to do this when we book instead of say, begging the front desk for a second cot 20 minutes before bedtime because, say, one of my sweet children would not sleep with her sister.
Check, double check and even triple check all is good– Oh this is a big one. Yes, you talked to someone, but double or triple checking is so important.
What if there is an issue? Better to just make sure then having to punt in real time.
Make lists- If you think of it, put it on a list. Enough said.
The planning is worth it when you see smiles at the beach or laughing at the park.
So, as you zip up the winter coat again, know that Spring is really coming and now is a great time to start the planning so you can see the smiles at the beach or hear the laughter at the park.
It really is worth all the work.
See you next month.
Michele