We’ve been holidaying with our four children for nearly two decades now. Staycations, glam locations, long and short haul. Often the dog comes too. And i’ve just interviewed midlife mums for a travel podcast. So while I am on our hols I thought I’d answer any family trip questions you may have. Everyone else I am related to is on screens so fire away!
Lorraine, do you not allow phones in bedrooms at night ever?! That’s amazing. I’ve given up with the 16 yr old but we are about to all have a week together and already I’m stressing about how to manage the wretched phones at night. We have 4 boys and I find it hard that the older 2 are on diff time zones, ie get to sleep around 12 or prob a bit later and want to wake up nearer midday too. Whilst the youngest 2 and myself are raring to go out. I guess compromise? Like the idea of cards. The 4 boy thing is a total pain as they are so competitive and just mean to each other 😤
How do you decide locations for holidays? I’m keen for my 2 teens to experience different cultures but sometimes it’s difficult to not just head for the beachside all inclusive easy option.
How do you manage screen time for your teenagers whilst on hols? My 14yo is glued to her IPhone. I recently re-introduced a “digital sunset” and it’s a battle pretty much every evening …… when does it get easier?!
It’s been too long & I think of you often; still- & always- reading your words & wit, & (try to) follow your advice!
Have you had any experience in or dealt with experts concerning Night Terrors or little ones seeing ghosts? It used to be amusing when my daughter was wee but now she’s 7 & it’s pretty scary for her. We try to diffuse the fears with humour & validation but it keeps occurring.
How do you do hotels as a family of 5 (or 6 in your case!) Our 3 children are all under 5 and if we don’t want to pay mega bucks for a suite, are hotels just out of the question? Not that many seem to give adjoining rooms these days, or am I wrong?!
Just come to the end of a week in Portugal with husband, my mum and 3 teens. Staying close to family including cousins, similar age. Seeing family was really lovely but I feel as though mostly this was a waste of money. Teens spent a lot of time in their rooms on phones-same as at home. Came out for restaurants and to go out clubbing with cousins who live locally. Went to the beach a bit but no “self-starting.” How do you get them to organise their own activities? I had hoped they would ‘explore and discover’ independently…. am I expecting too much?!
Ok will start this in the new term. Usually
I go round like a jailer grabbing or
even wrestling their phones off at bedtime!!!
Lorraine, do you not allow phones in bedrooms at night ever?! That’s amazing. I’ve given up with the 16 yr old but we are about to all have a week together and already I’m stressing about how to manage the wretched phones at night. We have 4 boys and I find it hard that the older 2 are on diff time zones, ie get to sleep around 12 or prob a bit later and want to wake up nearer midday too. Whilst the youngest 2 and myself are raring to go out. I guess compromise? Like the idea of cards. The 4 boy thing is a total pain as they are so competitive and just mean to each other 😤
How do you decide locations for holidays? I’m keen for my 2 teens to experience different cultures but sometimes it’s difficult to not just head for the beachside all inclusive easy option.
How do you manage screen time for your teenagers whilst on hols? My 14yo is glued to her IPhone. I recently re-introduced a “digital sunset” and it’s a battle pretty much every evening …… when does it get easier?!
Hi Lorraine 👋🏼
It’s been too long & I think of you often; still- & always- reading your words & wit, & (try to) follow your advice!
Have you had any experience in or dealt with experts concerning Night Terrors or little ones seeing ghosts? It used to be amusing when my daughter was wee but now she’s 7 & it’s pretty scary for her. We try to diffuse the fears with humour & validation but it keeps occurring.
Any advice would be sincerely appreciated.
Sophie x
Any other tips for holidays with several littles much appreciated!
How do you do hotels as a family of 5 (or 6 in your case!) Our 3 children are all under 5 and if we don’t want to pay mega bucks for a suite, are hotels just out of the question? Not that many seem to give adjoining rooms these days, or am I wrong?!
Just come to the end of a week in Portugal with husband, my mum and 3 teens. Staying close to family including cousins, similar age. Seeing family was really lovely but I feel as though mostly this was a waste of money. Teens spent a lot of time in their rooms on phones-same as at home. Came out for restaurants and to go out clubbing with cousins who live locally. Went to the beach a bit but no “self-starting.” How do you get them to organise their own activities? I had hoped they would ‘explore and discover’ independently…. am I expecting too much?!