How about bringing children to your creative family beach vacation reunions?

Bringing children to a creative family beach reunion can be fun and rewarding, but only if you plan in advance, and take certain precautions.

Suitable for Children?
First off, determine if the reunion is suitable for children? If it is going to a reunion with an adult-driven-theme, and alcohol is being served, the hosts may be assuming that you know bringing children is not a good idea. How do you find out? Ask the host of the reunion in advance, if this restriction has not been specifically mentioned on the invitation. Don't assume one way or the other, or you will have to endure a lot of heartache and expense in either case.

What is Available?
If this is indeed a reunion in which children are welcome, find out as much as you can about the facilities being offered well in advance of your acceptance to the invitation. Will child care be available at the event? Is there a good selection of quality babysitters near the venue? What about child seats for cars, or strollers? Do you need to bring your own. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

"Child-Pool"
If children are indeed welcome, but you are expected to make your own babysitting and day care arrangements, why not contact some of the other families that will be attending the reunion? You might be able to share a babysitter, etc. and share on the expense as well. In addition, "junior" will have someone new to play with, and this will make the time go faster for them.

Manners Required
Before you leave for the reunion, inform your child as to what you will be attending, and what sort of behavior is expected of them. Don't just mention this once. Politely remind them often up to the day of the reunion. This will reinforce what is expected of them into their little minds. Don't just give them a list of "you must do this" or "you must behave like this", but also mention some of the activites that they will enjoy, and the fact that you will be giving them a special reward for good behavior.

ZZZZzzzz....
Before you arrive at the reunion, you might want to ensure that your child has a nice long nap. There is nothing worse than arriving at reunion, meeting your long lost friends, and introducing them to your whiny, tired, children. You want to paint a wonderful picture of your happy family, don't you?

"Comfort" Items
On the way to the event, don't forget to bring along your child's "comfort" items, such as a special blanket or toy. When mom and dad are out of site, these items can provide them with the temporary warmth and recognition that they need.

Conclusion
In closing, if after all your preparation, your child misbehaves at the reunion activity in question, politely excuse yourself and take your child home. The other guests will thank you. They are there to have a good time, and enjoy meeting their long lost friends...not examining the high notes courtesy of your child's lungs.

In conclusion, bringing children can add to the fun and excitement of your reunion, if you avoid the pitfalls, and plan in advance.

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