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A Blended Family
Vacation
We believe both the children and the
parents enjoy the quality time spent over extended vacation periods. Travel
and "settling in" becomes less of an issue for our family then. We can plan
extended trips without the worry of rushing frantically back and packing
half the children up to ship back home to the custodial parent.
As the vacation period progresses we find the children become more relaxed.
They seem happier just to "be" in our company as opposed to rushing through
a two or three day visitation schedule that would give a trapeze artist the
spins! We are thankful for the children's' interest in nature and camping,
although they do have a sometimes fanatical video side! The kids seem to
appreciate the hikes, fishing trips, beachcombing etc. All these activities
are appropriate inexpensive and educational as well as FUN for blended families!
Given the ages of the children (9,8,7, and 23 months) it is difficult at
times to schedule activities which include all of the children. This is further
complicated when one of us must stay at home with the youngest thereby
"splitting" the family. Suffice to say we try to spend much of our time together.
This scenario is further facilitated by our efforts to make the home environment
as happy / fun / comfortable / children friendly as possible.
Since some of the children's interests
vary, it stands to reason, we will not be able to so everything together.
With some careful planning, those who choose to opt our of some activities
can in turn spend time with the "other" parent. We believe this type of quality
time as stepparents or biological parents is equally as important. Some children
do not open up, relate well or just plain relax in "high energy", group,
or scheduled environments.
For this reason we do not insist the children do everything together. While
being together as a family, a quiet reflective setting can be a nurturing
environment as well.
Regardless of the activities planned, we do our best to make every minute
count. A deep sea fishing outing can easily turn into "island hopping",
beachcombing, and a barbecuing extravaganza! This is vacation right? A little
spontaneity never hurt anyone!
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