On Saturday night, we drove to Austin to watch a college basketball game. The game started at 8:00 (E.’s bedtime). We knew we were taking a bit of a gamble by bringing her along, but decided to go for it. What’s the worst that could happen? She’d get tired? Whine and ask to leave? We decided it was worth the risk. She ended up doing fine.
This made me think about adaptability.
As parents, it’s tempting to cling to that daily schedule like it’s a lifeline. The thought of mixed-up sleep schedules or napless days can be a little daunting. But, like everything else, being adaptable takes practice. Isn’t it good to at least occasionally practice the art of adaptability?
I’m not suggesting we throw those reassuring schedules out the door completely. Just don’t be at the schedule’s mercy.
This is where travel comes into the picture. One of the reasons I think we have a fairly adapable kid is because we travel. E. has had to adjust to different time zones, different foods, different forms of transportation, different beds. Of course, there have been misadventures along the way, but for the most part she can be flexible and adjust to new circumstances.
As I write this, I’m thinking about all of the great travel memories we might have missed if we’d stuck to E.’s normal bedtime: a long walk through Boston, leisurely dinners on Maui, fireworks at Disney World.
There are so many ways that travel benefits our daughter, but the one that translates to our home life the most is the idea of adaptability. Afterall, life doesn’t always happen on a fixed schedule.
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I agree that they should learn to be adaptable…. Although when we travel we try to get a nap in at SOME point. Living so far from home, we would never see our friends or family if we tried to keep to a set schedule. I think if you maintain a loose daily schedule, then you have more wiggle room BUT some kids have personalities that NEED a rigid schedule. I feel lucky that we don’t have such a kid but I don’t know if we made him that way or he was born being flexible?
You bring up a good point! It’s hard to know if kids are adaptable thanks to their parents, or because they were born that way.
Also, I try to remember that naptime doesn’t have to happen in a pristine environment…in the car, in the stroller, on mommy’s shoulder…there are plenty of ways to get a few minutes of sleep without hiding in the hotel room.
Thanks for stopping by!
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Great post Sarah! Little E. will no doubt grow up to be one worldly lady and you’ll all benefit from that before long. You know I’m as adaptable as they come but sadly the Mr. clings tightly to the routine. Your line about the fireworks at Disney made me sad because we missed them this year. Still with 3 kids 4 years & under (at the time, we’re now 5 & under) I understand why the schedule is so important. Maybe when they are a bit older, I’ll be able to convince him to do things more spontaneously (here’s to hoping!!)
Thanks, Stacy! Yes, I think it is a different situation when there are three kids instead of one!
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Amen, Sarah! And I need to remind myself of this sometimes. Great post.
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That’s one of the greatest things about roadtrips! One time my best friend Anna and I got lost in Houston while looking for a museum. We ended up finding the Department of Homeland Security, instead! This of course lead to lots of laughter that the only way to find a clandestine government agency is not to look for it. The best part of traveling is finding things you weren’t looking for.