When I planned my first overseas trip in 2014, to the World Championship Duathlon in Spain, there was no question that my then five year-old twins would be traveling to Europe with me. When I would tell people they were joining us on our adventure it was mostly met with negativity and questions of “what will they do?” and “why bother? They won’t remember it.” I heard the same comments this past spring, as I planned our trip to Italy.
Of course there are limitations to what they will remember or understand but, in the moment there is fascination and then a lifetime of influence, even if they have no understanding or remembrance of where that cultural impact came from.
I’m writing my response to the question “Should You Bring Your Kids to Europe?” on the KUHL blog site today and I hope you will read the rest there.
The article discuses their experiences, adventures in food, the downsides for the adults and, the following excerpt is about something totally unexpected on my part – learing tolerance:
Right now, the boys have less than zero judgement about wealth, status, race, or sex. It’s a beautiful thing that was only encouraged and enhanced during our european trips. Not only did these vacations offer them the opportunity to meet people from all over the world but, to play with them, to learn their language and to find immediate common ground discussing Minecraft and Kung Fu Panda the way only seven year old boys can magically do. And, when they asked to have a “play date” with the kids from Wales, we Googled a map to show them the improbability of their request. Of course they then immediately responded with “we can do Facetime instead!”
Read the rest HERE and let me know what you think. Do you travel with your kids? Did your parents travel with you? I want to know all the details.
I will be taking another vacation, albeit just from the blog, until Wednesday, July 6! If you celebrate the Fourth of July enjoy it, otherwise, have a great week!
Why shouldn’t you bring your kids with you? It’s a fantastic way to show your kids that there are other cultures and ways of life outside of your small bubble at home. I say absolutely bring them! Have a great blogging vacation! I plan on taking some time off too. It’s summer after all!
Of course you agree because you are sensible! And yes to a blog vacation. I’m getting buried over here and I need more time at the pool!
I’m very much looking forward to reading the rest of this article!! I had deep fears of taking my kids anywhere but I think it was all related to the diaper stage. Once out of diapers I felt like we could do this! I finally felt free to travel and explore.
I SEE your gorgeousness in progress on the blog! The colors and layout are awesome!! Love it!! Enjoy your holiday weekend my love.
Oh hell yes. Once they are potty trained – you can go anywhere!
Thank you for the blog compliments. It’s a work in progress but hope to have something permanent soon 🙂
I was a little confused–you changed your blog! It looks great!
Heading over to read the rest of your thoughts…
HAHA – I was too! I did not know my designer was taking the new look live. We still have some tweaking to do but yes, you are in the right place!
You do miss out on a few things when you take your kids with you (but I don’t like group tours anyway….), but I agree that as long as they are not babies/toddlers, you should take them. I love the extended 24/7 time you get to spend together on vacations, which with our busy lives, we otherwise don’t get to do. You may not remember the details of the countries you visit, but you don’t forget the overall feel of the time and experience together.
Group tours are the worst. Unless they are very small!
I figure that I do not remember the details anyway but I have the feelings and memories about many summers spent on Cape Cod with my parents and they are the BEST!
Thanks Paria. Enjoy the LONG weekend 🙂
Why shouldn’t you? Granted I don’t have kids yet but by no means are kids going to hinder any travel plans – I think it’s good for them and I really enjoyed reading your post! Miles and Vaughn are adorable and I loved how you used travel as a way to teach them about the world around them. Enjoy your holiday weekend!
I have no doubt you will take your kids everywhere – starting with those gorgeous mountain hikes!
Thanks Laura and hope you have a great weekend 🙂
Great post and great points. Who cares if they don’t remember it? It’s still shaping them into the little people they are becoming. I love that they had this experience with you!
Exactly! I’m so glad I didn’t listen way back in 2014 – that trip was probably even better than this one.
Thanks Laura and I hope you’re staying cool on your runs. I know I’m not!! Ugh.
Love this, and love your perspective! Not that I talk from experience, but for every reason not to do it, there are several more to just do it and embrace it!
Thanks Jess! I have a feeling you are going to learn very soon how amazing it is 🙂
Oh wow!!!! I absolutely loved your post on the Khull site!!! I had to read it twice and loved it more. I can’t agree more on traveling with kids. If you have the opportunity to travel anywhere as a family I say do it. My mom took both my brother and I all over the world starting as young sprouts. We have so many incredible memories, I swear that’s what life is about. Making memories! Those experiences being exposed to diverse places really transforms people. Clearly I’m a huge advocate. Especially since I was born abroad. Lol. But seriously, I love everything you wrote and it’s so refreshing to know other families see all the benefits. Start them young! Sure they may not remember everything but you’ll have those memories for yourself. I can’t wait to take Lulu places. We’re planning our European trip for my brothers graduation in 2018 🙂
Thanks so much Danielle! I absolutely love that you were able to travel so much as a kid and how your parents didn’t seem to think twice about it. And I really love that you will continue the tradition with your daughter 🙂
I’m a little conflicted because really how much do I remember from 5… nothing. At the same time, those cultural experiences really do shape us and I think that the more we can bring kids out into the world… the better they are for it. I mean, Europeans take their kids EVERYWHERE and don’t think twice. Bars, nice dinners, vacations, whatever… they turn out less picky and more well-behaved!
And that is why Europe is exactly the right place to take American kids b/c it’s seen as so normal there!! 🙂
Have a great week.
My parents did actually bring us traveling. My dad was in the Navy so we traveled a lot everywhere as kids. This is an interesting post and to be honest not one I really thought about much until now!
It’s so great you had that experience growing up! I hope you get to travel that much with your kids someday 🙂 Have a great week!
I think traveling with your kids is one of the best gifts you can give them. Heading over to read your article now.
I love your new look!!
We definitely travel with Cooper a lot. He’s probably been more places in his first year and a half than I traveled in my first 20 years. He will not remember any of it but we don’t care. We want to guy so he gets to tag along!
Thanks Brittany! It was time for a refresh around here.
I know you guys literally travel the world with Cooper and I think it’s absolutely fantastic!! You are a pro with taking him and you could probably write a book on the adventures you have had. I know you will continue to travel with him and his life will only be better for it. Keep it up!!
Yes to bringing your kids!! I feel so strongly about this topic. My kids travel pretty much everywhere with us (not Europe yet – soon!) and they LOVE it. Josh still remembers trips from when he was 3 and 4 years old.
They love the whole experience – packing, airport, plane, and seeing new places, learning about new cultures…
I think taking children on trips is an invaluable experience that will shape and mold them forever. Even more so when they travel abroad.
Why shouldn’t they see the world? They should know that there all kinds of people in the world besides Americans. Kudos to you for exposing your kids to the world 🙂
Yes! I know you embrace this and that you bring your gorgeous children everywhere with you. It’s such a great thing for the whole family…as you know!
Super late on commenting, per usual. I definitely support traveling with kids, although perhaps that because I don’t have any. 🙂 Whenever my boyfriend and I have the kids discussion (we’re getting deep here), he says, “But think of all the traveling we could do if we don’t have them!” (He’s promised me he really does want them, don’t worry.) While I think it certainly makes it a bit more challenging (understatement?) and may limit some options, I think it’s great to show kids the world at a young age. Like you said, kids don’t see color or understand that people different from them or have “ideas” about different cultures – how cool would it be to see the world before having that knowledge? To show that we’re all people and we should be good to one another, especially with all the violence lately. Even if they don’t remember everything, experience is a great learning tool.
I also know people who don’t travel because they’re scared too – get that fear out of people early! It’s not that bad!
I’ll report back in ten years. Hopefully I’m carrying the same tune. 🙂
Yes! You CAN travel with kids and nothing has to be compromised as far as destination. Really. Plus, if you only have one at a time it will be a piece of cake 🙂 Also, don’t forget that you can still leave the kids with family at home while you and your husband travel alone. We make a point of doing that at least twice a year!