Find a parent who breezes through an airport with one suitcase and a carry-on, and I’ll show you a parent who left their child at home. Good planning will mean less stress and headache for you the entire visit, but there’s a fine line between dragging the entire contents of your home and leaving everything to chance. You want to be prepared, but not overburdened. So, what to bring?
Start with the basics. Consider a list and start checking off who will provide each item: you, your host, or a rental service. Thankfully, there are places, easily found on the Internet, where you can rent items like cribs and car seats (even bottle sterilizers), which can be delivered to your destination.
see our list on the next page->
| You | Host | Rental | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crib or bassinet | |||
| Playpen | |||
| Sleeping bags | |||
| Car seat | |||
| Baby bottles and/ or medicines | |||
| Specific foods/formula | |||
| Baby monitor | |||
| Breast-feeding equipment | |||
| Diapers, diaper bag, baby wipes, powder, etc. | |||
| Night-light | |||
| Plastic sheets if your child may wet the bed | |||
| Entertainment material | |||
| Sports equipment, life preservers, sunglasses, lotion | |||
| Stroller(s) | |||
| Baby gates | |||
| Appropriate clothing for the weather and activities planned |
Share with your host the items on your list you are hoping they can provide. If you’re worried that your needs will sound like a list of demands from a spoiled ‘tweener—don’t. Most hosts will appreciate your thoughtfulness by not having to scramble to get things after you arrive. Once they know what you need, and if they don’t have it, it gives them the opportunity to ask a neighbor or friend to supply something for the time you will be there. Your host will let you know what is not available. Coordinating with them in advance is the key.
Of course how you are getting to the visit makes a difference in what you can bring, or not, so know what is allowed on an airplane, bus, or train. It is always best to call the transportation company ahead or check their website.
next "6 terrific tips for vacationing with the kids" -> page 3
6 Terrific Tips While Vacationing with Kids
- Take the time to research the place you will be visiting.
Check to see where the nearest doctor, pharmacy, playground or park, theater, library, or pool is located. Although one would assume the host will know, Grandmother may not have been water sliding in some time! - If there are just some things your children can’t or won’t eat or are allergic to, let your host know.
Your host will most likely go to the store to stock up on some items and will appreciate not spending time or money on things that won’t be consumed. Emailing a list ahead of time is a smart and reasonable thing to do. You can always add the words, “But if you were not planning on going to the market, no worries! I am happy to go after we arrive.” - Brush up on the basics with your children before the visit.
Go through the photo album and remind them who’s who; teach, or remind, young men and women the importance of shaking hands with a solid grip and looking adults in the eye. Tell them what is not allowed and what you expect in terms of their behavior, and what you hope they might enjoy during the visit. Remind them, also, of basic manners, such as saying “please” and “thank you” and “may I?” Children are much more comfortable when they know how to behave and what is expected of them. - Help your child make, or simply bring, a gift for the host or the children of the host.
Even children feel special when presenting a gift and feel proud not arriving empty-handed. - Don’t break your own rules just because you’re visiting.
If you want your children to be in bed at a certain time, make it happen. You rule! If you don’t want them to drink sodas or watch a movie you think is inappropriate for their temperament or age, don’t let them. Your host should respect your rules and support them. - Although difficult, do not allow your children to use electronic games or gadgets excessively.
The point of the visit is to get everyone involved with each other—to be inclusive—not reclusive. This is especially important of course when the young ones are visiting the Grandparents.
When you get home, have the child create, or pick out, a thank-you card for the host. How artistic it is makes absolutely no difference. The fact that it is handmade makes it beautiful. And the child will learn a valuable lesson from doing it. No, this time email will not do.
Kathy Bertone currently lives in Naples, FL where she continues to perfect her hosting expertise. Kathy is the author of the new book, The Art of the Visit: Being the Perfect Host, Becoming the Perfect Guest. For more information, please visit her website.