Making memories

We've just got back from a holiday to Brittany in France, where we stayed on a campsite by the beach. It was such a special time of discovering new things with Chloe: tents, wash blocks, the sea, the beach, sand castles and eating in restaurants! We went with another couple from church who we are very close to and their nearly-one year old. It was great going with another family, as it enabled us to babysit for each other and share some of the responsibilities of cooking and washing up which is a downside of self-catering! We also had lots of fun times together, especially in the evening when the children were in bed.

I feel like J and I learned a lot from the holiday, as this was our first proper holiday with Chloe and going away with children is such a different experience! I think living alongside another family has also really impressed on me the fact that every family is different in so many ways. This has challenged me about things which I hadn't realised about myself as a parent and has helped me to realise the things which I really want my children to learn. We are all so different in the ways we parent and no one way is better - we have to find what suits us as parents and our children individually and, most importantly, which we believe is godly.

In thinking about this on holiday I realised that quite a lot of the things that are important to me come from my own parents and how we did things on holiday. A key example of this was that we always used to travel and stay at campsites, such as Keycamp or Eurocamp (where your tent is already set up and you have some mod-cons like a hob, a fridge and proper beds). I used to moan about this as a teenager, wishing we could stay in a hotel. But I now have so many good memories of those holidays that we have chosen to do the same as my parents - obviously saving a lot of money in the process!

With saving money I think this is a good lesson for children to learn, as well as helping us afford to go on holidays abroad. I want our children to grow up knowing they don't need to stay in 5* accomodation and eat out every night in order to have a good time. I would suggest that often cooking together and eating outside in front of your tent is an excellent way to bond as a family. I think children also find camping really exciting - Chloe certainly did. However I do realise that I am speaking about something I value and enjoy and this won't necessarily be for all families! If camping isn't your thing then it won't make for a happy holiday!

One thing I was challenged on is that I can be impatient and hurried, especially in getting up and out in the mornings. It is hard to have a relaxed morning with a toddler who is easily bored, however I know I need to learn to take things slow and see what happens, rather than have a plan which cannot be deviated from! I apologise to the family we were with, as I know I probably rushed them a lot, when they were just trying to relax and enjoy their holiday! I know I need to work on slowing my pace and not panicking about keeping Chloe occupied every minute of the day.

We had such a great time away and I am thankful to God that he is constantly teaching J and I how to parent in every situation, I am so excited to make more new memories with my family, especially holidays where we all grow closer and which my children will remember and value when they are grown-up. I am sure that God's plan for the family is to have adventures together and to discover more about the world he has given us.