Mothers vacationing with kids

Mothers vacationing with kids is the latest travel trend across the world. Adventure and rejuvenation apart, it leads to the much-needed emotional bonding before the raging adolescent hormones kick in. Are you ready to pack?

          Meaningful mother-child journeys are emerging as one of the fastest-growing travel trends all over the world. A recent survey, conducted by famous research firm, asked 1,000 parents with kids aged between five and 17 what they gained out of vacationing together. 97 per cent of parents said their children discover new sides of their mother; something that would have been quite impossible to achieve in their hectic daily lives. The survey also found that families tend to be at ease, excited and affectionate while on such vacations.

          Says mom & a entrepreneur, “When mothers plan holidays with kids, it is a simple way to tell the children that they are important in the mother's life.“ Fashion designer gives credit to smart mothers of our times, who have found the perfect way to balance work and home life. She says, “Mothers always love to bond with their child. Despite their hectic schedules and workload, today, they have figured out a perfect way to connect with their children before the impudence of adolescence sets in. When I take daughter for a holiday, we focus on doing what she likes. The key thing is to stay focussed on the child.“

          It's not just children, but adolescents and adults, who are taking off with their mothers for vacations. Engineer mom, who got married three years ago, recently took off with her mother to spend some time together. She says, “I'm planning to have a baby. Before life gets hectic with work and a child, I wanted to get away with my mother to Darjeeling. She loves greenery and cold mountain air. We caught up on old times, ate great food, and watched the sunrise together. I was building memories with my mom.“

          Travel agents have been creating special mother-child packages. A travel expert, “With the great Indian summer beating down on our heads, the best places to head to are the Himalayas, Nainital, Kasauli and Mussorie. Singapore is also very child friendly, with its museums, animal sanctuaries etc. You can even plan a sleepover at the Aquarium in Sentosa!“ Some destinations like Bangkok offer opportunities for art and craft activities. Children can learn the local dance, join a cooking class, go swimming, take taekwondo lessons etc.

          Why mom-child vacations are on the rise What's unique about an exclusive mom-child vacation is that the child gets the opportunity to see the mother as an independent individual; minus family responsibilities (which often keeps a woman from showing her funnier and more spirited side)

          Says actor Perizaad, “Both children loved their last safari while we were vacationing in Koh Samui. We rented bikes and would travel together to different places. Mothers should involve their kids in planning the trip too; they will love it. It's ideal not to take your domestic help. Let the child know you better. Trips aren't meant to show your perfectionist side; they're meant to show the real you.“  Travelling is a way of teaching kids how to get along with different people and prepare for unpredictable situations.

          Adventure-loving mothers can go river rafting in Rishikesh; the laid-back ones can take their kids to a spa or Ayurvedic destinations, lik Alleppey. The elephant safari in Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal, is also a hit. It is a beautiful place that hasn't been explored by tourists yet. Young mothers also hire houseboats and ride on the placid waters of Vembanad Lake in the spas of Alleppey, Kerala.

          A Businesswoman, who travels frequently with her daughters, says, “We visit new places, eat different foods, learn about history and seek different ways of doing things. These are the experiences that form a child's sense of identity, helps them accept their uniqueness, and allows them to be connected to the larger world. Recently, we went camping in Joshua Tree, California, with my daughter's friends and their moms. Pitching tents, making dinner on a campfire, roasting marshmallows, hiking and rock climbing was incredibly fun!“

          When you travel with your children alone, it helps them develop decision-making skills. I talk to them beforehand about the places we visit. You will realise that a simple decision making process like what they'd want to do, what they'd love to eat, goes a long way in developing their self-worth.............Nonaw.