The activities we chose weren't much different from our parents' selections. The difference was they were our choices. We were the ones coordinating the details so we were the ones dragging them around.
The whole experience left us wanting more. It was only a couple of years later we were researching our own adventures to South Asia and Kenya.
Even if you don't have the opportunity to travel the globe, you don't have to go far to peak your child's interest in the world. In fact, even a daytrip can get them thinking.
Nearly every region puts out an events guide each season. In it, you'll find a multitude of music, culture and arts festivals. These events have tons of learning opportunities for your children. By involving your kids in planning a weekend excursion, not only are you creating great family memories, you're opening their eyes to the world.
These actions may sound small but you are actually teaching your children invaluable lessons about the world. Plus, when you allow them to take part in the planning, you are empowering them to go further and learn more on their own.
Plus, it's not like Marc totally forgot about his girlfriend on our trip. She got a postcard from every city along the way.
Tips for parents:
1. Put a map in a central location in your home. When you hear about an international issue on the news, help your child locate the country, city or region on the map.
2. Find a guide for events in your region, then sit down with your kids and talk to them about which ones they would like to see. These daytrips are a great way to spend to quality, family time together.
3. The next time you plan a family trip, have your child take an active role in the planning. Give them a budget and some travel books and let them come up with the itinerary for the whole family.
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