Let me be very clear… I love my family. I love traveling with my family. If you are a parent of a teenager you know it's a different ball game than parenting an infant, toddler or young child.
That said, I figure this weeks blog should be a list of ways to prepare yourself to travel with….
TEENS.
1. Schedule an hour ahead of time. The whole getting ready process is a lot. The hair, the make-up, the phone calls (that could send them into complete disbelief… which then tosses their focus into the depths of LA LA LAND). Just plan ahead. Save yourself the headache.
2. Understand that when you begin to communicate with a teen, you will first want to make sure that their ears are free from all devices.
When you feel like you are making the most sense and your words must be resonating because of their silence, you'll find out they have heard nothing. Their silence is because they are listening hip hops newest drops. Remember it's not you...
3. If you are sharing a hotel room please understand that you will not have access to the restroom. Make sure the hotel lobby bathroom is nice.
4. Be prepared with snacks (yes, they still need snacks) Tantums can no longer be treated by a "time out". You are now dealing with a version of you. A HANGRY version of you. You got this.
5. Be prepared for any emotion breakdown. Moods can shift and they can shift fast. This can be offset by a snack or a nap. Stick to silence or make it worse.
6. Your child is a walking celebrity. You just don't know it. Other teens will want to compare outfits and ask for shopping suggestions.
Stay silent. Don't embarrass anyone.
7. Be prepared to plan your trip around shopping, eating, photo ops, napping, and tik-toking. You will never know when the odd dance moves will begin. The 10's and 10's of views are apparently worth it.
8. Lastly, remember all of these memories are irreplaceable and are pure fun to reflect on!
Happy Traveling!!
