– Today, I and the two youngest have been to the toy stores at the center, while the other two have been to the clothing stores, says Eivind Haukebøe Vik (39). He is on a trip with his wife Heidi (39), eldest daughter Ada (13) and younger siblings Live (10) and Isak (8). news meets the Harstad family at Sørlandssenteret. They have already been to the Zoo. It is not always easy to find out what to do on a trip. The zoo in Kristiansand is a popular place for families with children. Photo: Tor Erik Schrøder / NTB – But they are good at adapting to each other’s wishes. They think about the kids’ premises when they plan. – We find activities for the whole gang, and share if necessary, says Eivind. GOOD PARENTS: The parents are good at inventing activities that everyone wants, thinks Live, which is on the left. Photo: Sondre Røhmen / news Five tips for the holiday trip with children Psychologist and family therapist Hedvig Montgomery experiences that more families travel on trips with older children than before. – There is no doubt that young people today are more excited about their parents. Our generation went on the interrail alone. So how can you make sure the holiday trip is as good as possible for everyone? Here are her top five tips. See the needs Planning your vacation becomes complex when you have a large family. It is important to look at the needs of the children, says Montgomery. – Some have to play a lot, others need to get bored. Others need to retreat a little, especially the older children. The psychologist himself has three sons. Her eldest is 13 years older than the second man. – I have planned the holidays more after I had several children. It was much easier when it was just him and me. Everyone must have their wishes fulfilled. The psychologist believes that holidays are about giving and taking. Everyone does not have to feel perfect all the time, but everyone must be left with an ok experience. – For me, a good holiday is a holiday where everyone has had some wishes fulfilled. She says that the holiday is the acid test for how well a family works. It is important that everyone adapts to each other, the psychologist believes. “It’s about inventing something that is calm enough for the baby, but also fun and challenging enough for the teenager,” says Montgomery. HAD TO PLAN MORE: Psychologist Hedvig Montgomery herself noticed that she had to plan more before the holidays, when she had several children. Photo: Roy Kenneth Sydnes Jacobsen Take time to calm down The years of pandemic have meant that we now have to “make up” much of what was lost, Montgomery believes. – I think spring has gone very fast, faster than ever. I think quite a few have picked up the pace so much. She thinks it is important to slow down, instead of having to cram as much into the holiday as possible. Both for the older and the younger children. – Try to think that it takes some time to go into holiday mode, and especially after a stressful spring like this. Do not panic – Both adults and children forget the slightly awkward days from previous holidays. I think the most important thing is that we do not panic when some days do not turn out as we thought, she says. She says that it is important to have some planned activities on days when nothing happens. – Then you have to try to have some posts. It can be just a trip to the store or the library. Stuffing the days with activity makes us exhausted. So one thing is enough, in the vast majority of families. Use the ones around you Montgomery also strikes a blow for the extended family, for those who have it. – Children love the extended family concept. It becomes very clear who we are as a family. This can also provide an opportunity for some adulthood. – If you have someone who can take care of your children a little, use them. The vast majority of parents need some time where they do not have to look after someone. Illustration photo. Psychologist Hedvig Montgomery believes it is important that mother and father give each other time if they are given the opportunity during the holidays. Photo: Frank May / NTB
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Tips for a successful holiday with children of different ages – news Sørlandet – Local news, TV and radio
