Vickie Tate and her husband were at a funeral visitation when their grieving friend left them with these words:
“No matter what, when it’s all said and done, you need memories because sometimes that’s all you have left. You need to take those trips with your kids. Every single one you talk about.”
Since that moment, the Tates have made it a priority to live by those words, making the time and effort to take trips with their kids, no matter what the circumstances may be. Whether it means putting the trip on a credit card and paying it off later, or only being able to get away for a few days, they prioritize making memories over the worries of kids’ behavior, finances, and missed workdays.
Vickie emphasizes: “Time is precious and we’re not promised tomorrow. Trust me. Take. The. Trip.” [1]
Read: Science confirms that travelling makes us happier than material wealth ever will
Why Travelling Benefits Your Kids
Many people question the value of traveling with young kids, assuming they may not remember the experience. However, the benefits of taking a trip with your children go beyond their ability to recall the memories.
It gives you the gift of time. When you’re away from work and daily routines, you are able to give your kids more attention, engaging in “attachment play” that builds essential relationship skills and emotional intelligence [2,3].
It helps their brains develop. Vacations provide opportunities for children to stimulate their play and seeking systems in their brain, setting the foundation for cognitive development and social intelligence [2,5].
It could increase their IQ. New experiences and enriched environments are associated with higher IQ in children, making traveling a valuable learning experience [2,6].
How Travelling Benefits Your Whole Family
These benefits aren’t just for kids; they also extend to parents. Social interaction and play are important for adults in combating depression and promoting well-being [4].
As Panskepp says, “Human relationships are the best antidepressants” [4].
Read: ‘You hold on tight. Somehow 20 years isn’t enough. When it’s time for them to go, it all hits you like a ton of bricks.’: Mom of teens urges us to ‘soak it all in’ during younger parenting years
The Importance of Making Memories
Creating and sharing memories with loved ones strengthens bonds and fosters empathy. These shared experiences build identity and self-esteem for children, and provide valuable emotional support as they grow older [7,9].
Memories that Last a Lifetime
As life goes on, memories become a vital source of comfort and connection, especially after losing loved ones. Taking trips and making memories with family is an investment in the future, providing a lasting source of joy and resilience [7,8].
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