Rules For Surviving The Cottage With Kids

My very favourite season is right around the corner, no, it’s not summer.

Well, not exactly, it’s cottage season!

Looking back now, some of my fondest memories of my childhood revolve around those endless drives up to cottage country, getting lost in the woods with my sister, playing countless games of eurche, learning to drive a boat and waterski.  To this nothing beats long hot lazy days at the lake and cool evenings chatting with family roasting marshmallows over an open fire. Just being unplugged from the real world and tuned into our little family is it’s very own kind of magic. So each summer I make a point of highlighting one week – calling dibs- and making sure my kids know they are MINE for the week. The goal – all things family. The only problem? It’s a whole lot more difficult to “unplug” than it used to be. Not just for the teenagers of the family, but the parents too. It’s so easy to get caught up in the must-dos. Too simple to get dragged back to the office via e-mail or text. To check that work e-mail just one more time.  So what’s a girl to do? Set some cottage ground rules and do her very best to create the most of those precious and few unplugged holiday moments.

Here are our tips to keep your family happy on your next holiday – whether that be at the lake, the campground or simply the backyard pool.

• Create a smartphone rule: It’s not reasonable to take away cell phones all together but you can expect phone time to be drastically cut down. Would you be happy if your teen and/or Hubby was down to one hour a day? I would! One hour it is.
• Start a new tradition: Each year at the cottage we challenge ourselves to a new puzzle. The entire family gathers every evening (with snacks and drinks of course) to work on that puzzle and try and get the damn thing done within a week.
• Remember Mom Is Not A Maid: Hello, this is my vacation too. Let’s remember the Mama of the house needs a break as badly as the rest of you. Pick up your crap and help out. It’s the nice thing to do.
• Take It Easy In The Kitchen: While on vacation, no one wants to be a slave to the kitchen. Before you head out for the week create an easy meal plan that includes big breakfasts, lunches everyone can help themselves to, and dinners that are heavy on the BBQ. If you have teenagers in the group don’t be shy about assigning them a night to cook!
• Remember Rain Happens: Prepare for the possibility of rainy days by packing a surprise kit stuffed with enough classic movies, crafts, board games or baking supplies to get you through.
• Plan A Bonfire Night:  Mix things up one night by declaring it a bonfire night.  Make sure your grocery list includes everything you may need to cook dinner and dessert right there on the fire.  Start the night with the classic hot dog and end it off with the perfect s’more.  (hint:  you will also need some bug spray!)
• Send Them To The Lake:  Like it or not, most of us are raising city kids and they may need a little push to get out there and enjoy that big beautiful lake.  Pack up your lifejackets, a few floaties, and your sense of adventure and get out there.  No one can be bored when they are canoeing, kayaking, floating, swimming or boating on a crystal clear lake on a perfect summers day.
• Plan Some Down Time:  Just because you are on a week’s vacay together doesn’t mean you have to spend every single moment together.  It’s okay to set your older kids free, encourage them to head out and explore the woods on their own, or just veg on the dock.  It’s what teens do and honestly, sometimes what they need to decompress.
• Build In Adventure:  Yes, adding in a little adventure or road trip away from the cottage is always a good idea.  Gather your crew and head into town for a small adventure.  Seek out the best ice cream or burger in town, check out the farmers market giving each $10 to find the most unique/quirky/delish item they can find, or explore local attractions like a hiking trail or waterfalls.

Wherever you choose to spend your summer vacation this year I hope you find time to share some love and find your joy together.

Happy Travels!

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