Holiday reflections

A holiday for us is a pushing of boundaries. 

It is fraught with concern beforehand. 

It can so easily be derailed. 

We went away on holiday in the summer. 

To a new location, a new home, visiting my mother who had moved since our last pre covid visit. 

I planned it to the nth degree, had contingencies in place for weather changes and the children's reactions. 


My maximum goals:

A heavily planned week of educational and social events including:

- Farms

- Zoo

- A boat trip to see seals 

- Aquarium 

- Visits to neighbours 

- Beach trips

- A glass blowing class 

- A shell museum  

- A birthday party 

- Réunion and sleepover with cousins 


Their hurdles:

- New home 

- New area 

- Away from dad

- No safe places marked out

- Heavy socialising

- Multiple events happening daily

- All new first time events

- Extensive car rides

- No tech all week except for ipads. 


My expectations:

- They wouldn't be able to handle it 

- Lack of routine would increase meltdowns 

- We would fulfil half of the plans. 


How they behaved:

- Impeccably

- They enjoyed the entire experience

I pushed them out of their comfort zone and they handled it like champions. There were a few meltdowns mainly from Xander and one meltdown from Sophia over five days. 

They ate well, slept every night, with no nightmares, upheld their bedtime routines, using their stims to full effect. I'm not saying it wasn't challenging for them. It really pushed them. They were awesome. 

I did not expect or ask for any formal work from them. I had plenty of educational experiences for them daily. The follow up work was to occur back at home after the event. 


Unexpected teacher proud moments: 

- They still read everyday

- Did maths puzzles

- They were creative

- Wrote every day

- Drew everyday

- Exercised

- Socialised with new adults and children alike.

- Dealt with brand new experiences.

- Xander kept up his potty training.

- Did educational apps on their ipad.

- Did not miss the tech.

- Plenty of role play

- Watched movies of their favourite books, Heidi.


It was a complete success and they cannot wait to have another holiday at Nanas. 


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