As I drove down the road this morning, a radio conversation caught my attention about how moms should prioritize taking an annual vacation without their kids. After the year we’ve had, it seems more necessary than ever.
This made me reflect on my own vacation aspirations. Last summer, when everything felt so bleak, I promised myself I would take my kids to the beach for a long weekend or even a week this summer. Now that summer has arrived, I find myself without any plans and questioning whether it’s even safe for us to travel.
However, my three teenagers have a different agenda. They seem to want to spend as little time with me as possible after a year of online learning and working from home together.
I’m not alone in this family dynamic. A recent survey by Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts of 800 mothers with children aged 6-12 revealed that while nearly 75% of moms are eager for a family vacation, only half of the kids expressed a desire to spend time with their parents. Instead, they prefer outings to amusement parks, swimming pools, or water parks over family car rides.
What Kinds of Vacations Do Moms Crave?
A striking 90% of them expressed interest in camping trips, viewing it as a wonderful opportunity for family bonding and a safe activity to enjoy together. Personally, I’m not a fan of camping and would much prefer a hotel stay. Other popular summer activities for moms and kids included dining out, watching movies, and visiting friends and family.
Here’s what some moms had to say about their summer plans:
- Linda, a mother of two, shared, “My annual Momcation will be slightly adjusted but it’s going to happen.”
- Sarah mentioned, “We’re driving to visit my mom in New Jersey. We’ll follow CDC guidelines since my kids are the only unvaccinated individuals, and they’re all from the same household.”
- Clara plans to stay home as she’s not ready to travel yet, while Jenna is excited about spending time at the beach with her family.
What Activities Are Considered Safe This Summer?
Dr. Tara Narula advised families to assess their “level of risk tolerance.” Are you or your kids at heightened risk for COVID-19? Are you vaccinated? She emphasized that outdoor activities with small groups while maintaining social distance are generally safe for both kids and adults, vaccinated or not.
Water parks like Six Flags have implemented safety measures, such as mask mandates and regular sanitization, making them a safer choice. Dr. Narula also pointed out that road trips are a safer travel option. It’s crucial for parents to discuss summer plans with their kids, as they may be feeling anxious and isolated after a challenging year.
Experts from Good Morning America emphasized that if you are vaccinated and wear a mask, air travel can also be safe. Regardless of your destination, it’s wise to check local guidelines and safety measures, as these can vary from state to state.
Dr. Jon LaPook, a CBS News chief medical correspondent, advised using common sense: “Assess the risk in various areas,” he stated. “If you find yourself in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, especially if some individuals are unmasked, it’s best to avoid those situations, particularly if you’re immunocompromised.”
As summer unfolds, many of us are eager to reclaim lost time. Engaging in outdoor activities like visiting pools, parks, or zoos while maintaining social distancing is a great way for families to bond—whether the kids want to or not.
For more insights on summer plans and family bonding, check out this related blog post. If you’re exploring options for pregnancy and home insemination, resources like this one are excellent.
Summary
This summer, moms are eager for family vacations, but kids seem to prefer activities that allow for more independence. While many moms are interested in camping and outdoor excursions, kids lean towards amusement parks and water activities. Safety considerations remain paramount, with outdoor gatherings and road trips being the preferred options as families navigate the ongoing pandemic.