Baby Talk - 3/2/17

Here are a few things you should know about the benefits of family travel.

• Brain development – Traveling to different environments engages children in new physical,social, and cognitive interactions. They may be exposed to new cultures and people who look or speak differently than they do. These types of opportunities present teachable moments for you and your child and enhance a child’s ability to learn. Research shows that travel may even contribute to higher IQs for children.

• Time together – By taking your children with you on vacation, you are communicating to them just how important they are to you. Remember that actions speak louder than words. Telling your child that they matter and that you love them pales by comparison when you choose to spend one of your most valuable commodities – time – with them. Spending time with a parent often leads to enhanced feelings of confidence and self-worth within a child.

• Happy memories – Taking time to make memories with those you love can have an impact well into adulthood. In a recent study, half of respondents noted that their happiest memories were associated with family vacations. Some individuals even use those memories to help them cope with the tough times that life sometimes throws at us. I vividly remember many of my childhood vacations and those memories give me a feeling of contentment and lots of great stories to share!

Hope these tips have you making plans for your next family get-away!

What other benefits of family vacations do you have? Please, share!