Family outings. I love them but I also dread them. Honestly.
Every Sunday is family day for me. Dear Husband and I will try our best to take the kids out either to an interesting place or do an interesting activity. It is always a challenge in the logistics department as we have kids of varying ages. With an age range of 2 to 10 years, I often have to make sure that I pack the necessary stuff for each kid - ranging from diapers and formula for the youngest, water and wet ones for all, and books for the older kids. This will ensure that I have peace of mind that we have everything we need plus the kitchen sink, in event of any situation. Suffice to say, this often causes a rise in my stress levels every time we go out as a family. You would agree with dear husband that this defeats the purpose of a family outing since I will be too stressed up or worried to actually enjoy it.
So through trial and error and melt downs (from both the kids and me), here are some of the ways that have worked for us whenever we prepare to go for a family outing.
- Plan Ahead
Seems basic but this truly works. If you know where you are going - indoor or outdoor - you will be better prepared. Do some research on where you are going (most places have a website now) and understand the facilities including breastfeeding rooms, play areas, locations of bathrooms and eateries. Sometimes, I even buy tickets in advance. I am also on various mailing lists e.g. museums, zoos, parks; thus getting the latest and greatest on what's going on. - Wet Tissues
This is a very important part of your arsenal since it can clean from baby's bottoms to icky hands. This will ensure that we are well protected from the usual dirt that comes with going outside and when the nearest bathroom is no where in sight. - Food!
Yes, with an exclamation mark! Kids are hungry ALL the time. A stash of sandwiches, snacks and a good supply of drinks will keep them satisfied and less irritable. If you are like me and have kids that go berserk without food, this is a must! Some of the items I bring on a regular basis are sandwiches that don't go soggy (good ones are like peanut butter or jam), fruits in a icy thermal bag, chicken drumlets, pasta and even chicken curry. Water is a favourite over other drinks. Bringing your own food will also mean that you save money from the ultra-expensive food outlets that are usual stops at popular locations. - Dress Appropriately
T-shirts and shorts are good for beaches and an extra jacket would be useful for cinemas and air-conditioned locations. I even bring extra sets of clothes, especially for the younger ones, in case of accidents. - Plastic Bags
These have been invaluable for storing wet clothes or swim things to the dirty diaper that needs disposal. My eldest is also very prone to car sickness during a long ride so other than not feeding him too much before, we also have a supply of these to double as sick bags (although you have to make sure that they don't have holes...yep imagine the mess!). - Books and Toys
Waiting in lines or having nothing to do is a bane to kids. I bring a supply of books/toys/colouring materials and paper to keep my bunch happy. On occasions that I remember or my dear husband allows me to bring them, they are the only reasons I could keep my sanity. - Insect Repllents and Sun Screens
This only applies to outdoor places. I often forget them and end up having to deal with irritable kids either during the outing for the former or the next day for the latter. - Back-Up Plan
Always have a back-up plan! The best laid plans of mice and men don't always work out. Have more than one thing on your list in case the location that you plan for is not available or you have more time than anticipated. - Camera
A little piece of technology to keep the family memories alive! And also to upload into facebook to share with friends and family. There was more than once that I got ideas from others where to bring the family. Remember to charge the battery to full the night before. It is so annoying and disappointing to miss that precious moment! - Relaxed Attitude
Most importantly, bring a relaxed attitude and enjoy the family outing! Nevermind if the kids tore their clothes or rain comes unexpectedly or the tickets were sold out. The most important thing is that your family gets to spend time together, well, as a family. Being relaxed will allow making memories that will last a lifetime.
What do you do to make your family outings work?
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