Traveling with a little one can be quite the adventure, and for one mom, teaching independence to her 7-year-old has become a rewarding journey.
A travel writer and mother, she’s made it her mission to instill self-reliance in her son from a young age. He carries his own luggage and even helps in planning their family trips. She began by having him test his carry-on backpack around their home to ensure it wasn’t too heavy before their last international venture. While he still needed some assistance, his ability to navigate airports was wonderfully impressive.
Encouraging independence isn’t always straightforward, and there are times when doing tasks herself seems more efficient. But she understands the importance of letting him try. On their travels, her son packs his own carry-on and suitcase, selecting his entertainment and clothing under supervision. These include stuffed animals, activity books, video games, and a variety of snacks, ensuring he has everything he needs without asking, ‘What can I do?’ or ‘What can I eat?’
Another aspect of independence she promotes is financial awareness. Well before any trip, her son earns money by completing chores, a practice that evolves into a meaningful lesson in managing his own finances. This allows him to weigh his options when picking souvenirs, giving him a sense of ownership over his choices.
The little traveler also plays a part in planning their family vacations. He gets a say in the destinations and activities, whether visiting castles, swimming pools, or toy stores. This collaborative approach fosters decision-making skills and boosts his confidence.
Additionally, she leads by example, especially when things don’t go as planned. She uses these moments as teaching tools for her son, focusing more on finding solutions than dwelling on issues. Although it’s not always easy, especially when hungry, she finds it important to present a model of problem-solving.
As the years pass, with bigger backpacks and a stronger voice, her child’s independence continues to blossom. Traveling together becomes not just about the destinations but about the invaluable life lessons learned along the way.
In nurturing independence through travel, this mom cultivates a self-reliant and capable young traveler, ready to take on the world one trip at a time.
Source: Yahoo
