Road Tripping with Your Kids
Photo by Megan Capewell on Unsplash.
A few weekends ago, I had the rare opportunity to sneak out of town with my 9-year-old son. I cashed in my hotel points, bought two NBA tickets, picked him up from school, and off we went to Charlotte, NC. Nothing extravagant, just something I threw together with a few days’ notice, but man am I glad I did. I knew getting away for the weekend would be fun, but I had no idea the perspective I would gain. Our time together allowed me to pause and consider things through the lens of fatherhood.
First, and foremost, this one-on-one time together was PRICELESS! Many of us, myself included, hold off on scheduling time like this because we don’t think we are planning a nice enough get away. In our minds, we think we have to build the ultimate adventure and blow their minds with 5-star accommodations, amazing food, and all the bells and whistles. This may appeal to us, but it’s not always what’s important to our kids. Ultimately, it wasn’t the cost of the trip that mattered – it was the unstructured time together.
After departing the school parking lot, my son set the agenda. Our hotel in Charlotte happened to be attached to a YMCA with a basketball court. So, when we weren’t sleeping, ordering room service, or watching the Hornets, you could find us shooting hoops. This was his time with me, and my only job was to enjoy what he enjoyed for the weekend.
Dad Tip: For a young child, staying in a hotel is the equivalent of Disney World. If possible, get a room on a high floor – they appreciate the expansive views.
Upon returning home and settling back into our family routine and schedule, we were both ready to face the week refreshed and recharged (a weekend of basketball will do that for you). I was very grateful for time well spent (I think my son was, too), but here’s what I might do differently next time…
· Don’t totally wing it: Next time, I’ll plan to ask him questions to help me get to know him better. Yes – I’ve known him his whole life, but I’m learning there’s more to discover about your kids the older they get.
· Just book it: You won’t find a perfect time to do it – put it on the calendar anyway. If you have to miss a practice or game, that’s okay. You won’t regret it in the long run. These are the times they’ll remember for a lifetime.
So, what about you? Do you have scheduled one-on-one time with your kids? If not, now is your chance…you can’t afford not to!
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