Family Vacations And Expectations
By Susan Dunn, MA, Emotional Intelligence Coach & Consultant, Fri Dec 9th

It’s that time of year again: Time for the family vacation. It’sa good time to rethink some things like perfectionism,expectations, and the meaning of the word “vacation.”

First of all, we call it a “vacation,” but if you’re the parent,it isn’t going to be one for you. In fact you’re likely to workharder than you would at home, so why not call it “TheChildren’s Vacation.” Children don’t need a vacation for restand relaxation; in fact they’re likely to rev up for vacations.If you’re looking for rest and relaxation, plan your ownvacation for another time. Here are some things to keep in mindas you plan and take the family vacation that can keep you fromunrealistic expectations which will erode your experience:

1.Because kids accelerate with new experiences and fun times,plan to GO rested; don’t plan on COMING HOME rested. 2.Consideroptions for help with the kids. Many resorts and cruise linesoffer supervised programs for children where they can meet newfriends. Or take along a mother’s helper, older niece or nephew,or grandmother. It’s more fun for all. 3.Plan ahead for theunpredictable. Use your Emotional Intelligence to relax, beingflexible and creative, rather than tightening up and gettingrigid. Testing the limits in each new circumstance is normal.You can handle it as long as you aren’t surprised by it.

4.Prepare for the predictable – high spirits, boredom, andfights with siblings. Deal with them the same way you do athome. Don’t blame each other for the misbehavior of the kids.Just cope with it. 5.If you intend to have a great timetogether, don’t let anything get in your way. There’s no reasonwhy a visit to the ER should “ruin your vacation,” any more thana few tantrums, some embarrassing table behavior, a flat tire,or missed plane connections should. Your experience of yourvacation is in your own hands. 6.Allow times and places forchildren to work off their energy. Plan breaks during long cartrips. Take them for a run on the beach before you go to the artmuseum, or turn them loose in the courtyard after the hoteldinner with Great Aunt Betty. 7.Keep to a strict scheduleregarding naps, bedtimes and meals to improve their behavior. Nomatter how much fun they’re having, children don’t do well whentoo tired or too hungry.

8.Discuss expectations beforehand. Explain what you can, andwhat sort of behavior you expect in different circumstances. Youcan’t cover everything, but you can cover a lot. 9.Be alert totheir safety. Provide safety equipment – harness, car seat, lifejacket. Bring along a first-aid kit. Because a vacation providesnew situations, accidents are more likely to occur.

Last but not least, process after each vacation. Talk about

Zipline tour for thrillseekers
On our last trip to Orlando in February this year (2012) we decided to try something a little bit different and I plucked up the courage to book a zipline experience at Zip Orlando. I have to admit to being frightened of heights so you might think this was a strange thing for me to do, but it appealed to me as one of those things you might have on your ?bucket list? so I added it to my own list. The zipline tour was booked with Zip Orlando who are located on South Orange Blossom Trail in Kissimmee . The treetop canopy course was completed in the Spring of 2011 and offers thrill seekers eight different cables and three suspension bridges. The cables range from 225 to 950 long and are about 65 feet off the ground and once you have climbed up to your first platform you then zip to the next platform reaching speeds of up to 30mph . All of the tours are completely guided and we were so impressed with our two guides who explained everything and talked us through the safety instructions...

whatworked and what didn’t. And don’t forget the most importantthing: Find out what everyone enjoyed the most. Be sure and goover the good times with the family, and make plans for more inthe future, taking into consideration what you’ve learned.

About the author:©Susan Dunn, MA, Emotional Intelligence Coach & Consultant,http://www.susandunn.cc and author of “How to Develop YourChild’s EQ”. Coaching, business programs, Internet courses,teleclasses and ebooks around emotional intelligence.Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for FREE ezine. I train and certify EQcoaches. Email me for info.