Camping with kids is a unique adventure filled with surprises. Here’s a lighthearted take on what you can expect when you venture into the great outdoors with your little ones.
- To kick things off, you can count on getting about 1.7 hours of sleep each night.
- Even with a cozy foam camping mat, you’ll find yourself crammed into a 12-inch stretch of tent floor that’s devoid of comfort—likely nestled against the tent’s nylon walls, while everyone else snoozes peacefully.
- Get ready for a buffet of breakfast tacos, burgers, hot dogs, fajitas, sandwiches, queso, and fruit. Your kids will survive mainly on tortilla chips and Nutella sandwiches, washed down with juice boxes for the entire trip.
- Your kiddos will spend an unprecedented amount of time outdoors, exploring the wilderness.
- When boredom strikes, simply encourage them to “explore!” “go find some sticks!” or “dig in that dirt pile!” It’s like a nature scavenger hunt.
- Brace yourself for approximately 84 bathroom trips, or about every five minutes.
- Your kids will somehow manage to avoid going at the same time, as if they have a secret pact.
- You’ll be the one teaching them the fine art of peeing in the lake.
- And you’ll also guide them on the appropriate technique for peeing in the woods.
- Your daughter, however, will staunchly refuse to use the public restroom.
- Yet, she’ll have no qualms about dropping her pants just ten feet from your neighbor’s massive RV, calling for assistance while she’s “busy.”
- You’ll then have the delightful task of explaining that some private matters should stay out of sight—especially from those enjoying their air-conditioned games.
- You’ll find yourself repeatedly saying, “Stay away from the fire.”
- Followed by, “You’re too close to the fire.”
- And, “Please don’t wave those sticks around that you just set on fire.”
- Expect to find burn marks on your camping chairs, and probably on your favorite T-shirt too.
- You’ll let your kids stay up later than usual because, well, it’s camping time! S’mores and perhaps a beer (for you, of course).
- In return, they will wake up with the sun, which will rise earlier than ever.
- And you’ll have a front-row seat to this early sunrise, thanks to a combination of your uncomfortable sleeping arrangement and the lack of blackout curtains in tents.
- They’ll whisper sweet nothings into your ear like, “Where is everyone?” and “Can we have cinnamon rolls?” and “I need to go potty!”
- You might start to shush them but will quickly give up because, let’s face it, you’re camping. Welcome to Mother Nature, where chaos reigns!
- Where, oh where, are everyone’s shoes?
- Suddenly, you’ll hear, “I CAN’T HOLD IT! I CAN’T HOLD IT! I CAN’T HOLD IT!”
- With four families involved, you’ll have 2 electric skillets, 1 Crock-Pot, 1 griddle, 13 spatulas, 8 rolls of toilet paper, 72 juice boxes, and no coffeemaker.
- As a temporary fix, you’ll resort to mainlining Diet Pepsi.
- You’ll settle into a camping chair, take a sip of your caffeine-infused beverage, and enjoy watching your kids dig in good old-fashioned dirt.
- That is, until someone urgently needs to go to the potty.
This camping trip will be filled with laughter, chaos, and unforgettable memories. If you’re looking for more tips on parenting and family fun, check out this other blog post. For those considering family planning options, you can find reputable resources at Make a Mom and learn more about the process at Wikipedia.
Summary
Camping with kids is an adventure packed with sleepless nights, endless snacks, and memorable moments. From bathroom trips to late-night s’mores, every moment is a chance to bond and create lasting memories.
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