Tricks of my trade

Several years ago, a friend proposed that I should write a blog that gave parenting tips. Not parenting advice, just handy things that have worked for us and might save someone else a wee bit of trouble. First of all, I had no idea what a "blog" even was and certainly didn't think I was qualified to give tips. I'm still not, but I was reminded again today that sometimes our family does things just a bit differently and it works for us. Perhaps it might help you as well. If not, quit reading and think I'm a crazy fanatical mom. That's fine too. I'm blogging so infrequently these days that most of you have probably long since quit reading anyway... Here goes.

So, we're going to Puerto Rico for Spring Break next week. Nice job perk, huh?? I have LOTS of traveling tips. We've done it A LOT with our kids and they've become expert travelers. Here's today's tip. We made a big deal of sleeping bags. Ours are actually those nap pads that have a blanket and pillow built in. They go with us everywhere we go. The girls think that it's so cool to get to sleep on a pallet in their sleeping bags in a hotel room. During the marathon weekend we had a big hotel room with two beds - one of which only Julia slept in because she lost the fight of who got to sleep on the floor. They actually chose the floor over the bed. I take the bedspread from the bed (it's nasty and I wouldn't sleep with it anyway) and lay it on the floor, usually doubled over several times. I carry an extra flat sheet (or 2 if it's a long trip) and lay it over the bedspread (I lay it pretty wide for my rollers. Wouldn't want anybody to roll onto the disgusting hotel room floor!) Sleeping bag goes on top of the sheet and is topped with the extra blanket that every hotel leaves in the closet. Beach and bath towels work in a pinch. With sleeping bags, my kids can go anywhere and are very flexible travelers. You might not have to fit 6 in one hotel room, but if you're ever a guest in someone's home or just find yourself in less than ideal circumstances, the flexibility factor is priceless. Disclaimer: I do think this has to be instituted early on. Once a child sleeps in a big bed with a pillow top mattress - that's it. Princess will think that the floor is hard and degrading. But if it's an adventure from the get go - sleeping in your sleeping bag is always a special treat.