Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
We recommend that you do the inviting, instead of your child, and that the invit-
ation be extended parent to parent (to avoid disappointment, you might want to sound
out the friend's parent before broaching the issue with your child). Observing this re-
commendation will allow you to query the friend's parents concerning food prefer-
ences, any medical conditions, how discipline is administered in the friend's family,
howthe friend'sparents feel about the way youadminister discipline, and the parents'
expectation regarding religious observations while their child is in your care.
Before you extend the invitation, give some serious thought to who pays for
what. Make a specific proposal for financing the trip a part of your invitation, for ex-
ample: “There's room for Marty in the hotel room, and transportation's no problem
because we're driving. So we'll just need you to pick up Marty's meals, theme park
admissions, and spending money.”
A
FEW WORDS
for
SINGLE PARENTS
BECAUSE SINGLE PARENTS ARE GENERALLY
also working parents, planning a special
getaway with your children can be the best way to spend some quality time together.
But remember, the vacation is not just for your child—it's for you too. You might
invite a grandparent or a favorite aunt or uncle along; the other adult provides nice
companyforyou,andyourchildwillbenefit fromthetimewithfamily members. You
might likewise consider inviting an adult friend.
Though bringing along another adult is the best option, the reality is that many
single parents don't have friends, grandparents, or favorite aunts or uncles who can
make the trip. And while spending time with your child is wonderful, it is very dif-
ficult to match the energy level of your child if you are the sole focus of his or her
world.
One alternative: Try to meet other single parents at Disneyland. It may seem odd,
but most of them are in the same boat as you; besides, all you have to do is ask.
Another option, albeit expensive, is to take along a trustworthy babysitter (18 or up)
to travel with you.
The easiest way to meet other single parents is to hang out at the hotel pool.
Makeyourwaythereonthedayyouarrive,aftertraveling bycarorplaneandwithout
enough time to blow a full admission ticket at a theme park. In any event, a couple of
hours spent poolside is a relaxing way to start your vacation.
If you visit Disneyland Resort with another single parent, get adjoining rooms;
take turns watching all the kids; and, on at least one night, get a sitter and enjoy an
evening out.
