How to Survive on a Multi-Generational Family Vacation
After being held apart by COVID travel restrictions, family gatherings have taken on new meaning this summer. In some cases, families have chosen to hold these meetings on the road and make them a family getaway for several generations.
And while it might sound great in theory, when you’re squeezed into Airbnb with two real beds that say it can accommodate 12 people – and even though everyone said they’d be okay on an inflatable mattress on top of group planning texts, now no one is there. offering to sleep on them – perhaps you doubt your life choice.
But instead of running to the nearest body of water and rescuing your boat, take into account a few tips Paula Spahn put together for the New York Times article after consulting with family dynamics experts, as well as a few of our own thrown in for good measure – they’re could help.
Talk to your family about your pre-trip expectations
Everyone has their own idea of the ideal vacation, but when you travel with a large group of people from different generations, with different preferences and rules, there is the possibility of a lot of disappointment and / or resentment. So consider your goals and vacation plans before you travel.
This includes talking about household chores, childcare, and money.
No one (for obvious reasons) wants everyone to cook, clean and babysit during their “vacation,” so be sure to work out some kind of schedule or rotation ahead of time so everyone knows who is responsible for what.
And as inconvenient as it may be for your family, discuss how the costs will be shared among the group. Does every family buy food for themselves? Is everything equally divided? An awkward conversation can now prevent a fight later.
Realistic expectations
It will be clear from the first planning conversation that the trip will be about finding compromises. Even though everyone says it is relaxation and relaxation, nothing about a multi-generational family vacation has a relaxing effect. So don’t think that you will have time for yourself, or that your group activity will be chosen.
Prepare yourself for unwanted advice and / or criticism.
We’ve all been stuck in our homes for so long, and at times it could feel like you’re in your own little world. But this is no longer the case – and you will be dealing with other families and people who are also used to doing things in their own way.
If you’re a parent, then you’ve probably already experienced the joy of receiving unwanted, unwanted advice from family members, friends, and perhaps even strangers. Imagine it happens – along with a healthy dose of criticism about your cooking, parenting, and pretty much everything else. Remember that people have been holding this in their hands for over a year, so there is a good chance it all comes out around the fire.
Also keep in mind that criticism can be subtle or disguised as a question. “Oh, is this how you make a salad? I’ve never seen it done this way. ” Or, “You’re going to get little Johnny’s haircut in front of school, right?”
Schedule downtime
There are probably so many things you will want to see and do on your trip, but be sure to plan for downtime. Everyone will be physically and likely emotionally drained (and possibly overly aroused by all people and activities), so make sure people have time to relax – or at least regroup – during each day.