Travel with Family: Mental Health Tips from Psychologist Dr. Hu
Traveling with children may not always be relaxing as it could be. Vacations are a time to explore new places, learn about new cultures, and bond as a family. But how do you find the right balance and keep from getting mentally drained? In this article, BJU Psychologist Dr. Bojun Hu tells you how to keep your family stress-free on your next vacation.
On arriving at a foreign destination
A balance between high energy, exploratory activities, and relaxing activities can feel good and rejuvenating, as can a balance between spontaneity and routine. Parents are encouraged to ask for and take into consideration children's input on activities to do. This will cultivate in children a sense of self-efficacy and self-determination. Some children prefer to have familiar foods and engage in familiar activities, while other children are more interested in foods and activities they would not find in their daily lives. Respect for the children's preferences is important, and parents can also gently encourage kids to try out new things.
Vacation is a time to teach children about the process of finding what is fun and restful, different ways to balance the need for excitement and the need for intimacy and rest. Vacation is good practice for having restful routines as well as spontaneous play.
Heading home
Returning home after vacation can be a readjustment process for children as well as for parents themselves. Both parents and children can prepare themselves mentally to have leeway and time to readjust. For example, assignments and deadlines can be scheduled a few days after coming home, so that the body and mind can readjust. There does not need to be a strict separation between vacation time and work time. Some aspects of the vacation, brainstorming, and a playing mentality can be integrated back into and reinvigorate one's work life.
Dr. Bojun Hu is a Psychologist at Beijing United Family New Hope Clinical Center. She has over 10 years of clinical experience practicing psychology. Dr. Hu speaks English and Mandarin. To make an appointment with her, please call the BJU Service Center at 4008-919191.
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