It usually happens after a birthday or holiday.

The gifts are opened. The excitement is high… for about a day. Maybe two.

And then everything quietly blends into the background.

The toys get mixed in with everything else. The novelty wears off. Life moves on.

But then something else happens.

You mention a trip you took.

And suddenly, your child remembers everything.

The hotel. The pool. The random snack they loved. The weird little moment you barely thought twice about.

That is when it clicks.

It was never really about the stuff.

The Shift More Parents Are Making

There is a quiet shift happening in how families are approaching childhood.

Less focus on things.

More focus on experiences.

Not in a pressure-filled, “we need to do more” kind of way.

Just a more intentional one.

Because experiences don’t get tucked away in a closet or outgrown in a season.

They stay.

They show up later in conversations, in confidence, in the way kids approach new situations.

It’s Not About Big Trips (This Is Where Most People Get It Wrong)

When people hear “experience-based childhood,” they often picture big vacations and expensive destinations.

But that is not what this is about.

Some of the most meaningful experiences are simple:

• A weekend road trip

• Exploring a nearby town you have never visited

• Letting your child help plan a day out

• Trying something new together, even if it is small

Sometimes, it is just about making the day feel different.

Even something like mapping out a drive using a tool like Roadtrippers can turn a basic outing into an adventure, with unexpected stops and little moments you would have otherwise missed.

It is not about how far you go.

It is about stepping outside your normal routine.

Why Travel Hits Differently for Kids

Travel changes the pace of everything.

There is something about being in a new place that naturally pulls kids out of autopilot.

They notice more.
They ask more questions.
They try things they might normally avoid.

Even small changes in environment can:

• Build adaptability

• Encourage independence

• Strengthen problem-solving skills

• Boost social confidence

And you can see it happening while you are there.

They become a little braver. A little more curious. A little more themselves.

Let Them Be the “Co-Pilot”

One of the simplest ways to make travel more meaningful?

Let your kids be part of it.

Not just along for the ride, but involved.

That might look like:

• Letting them pick one activity

• Giving them a choice between two options

• Asking what they want to try or see

If you are planning a bigger trip, this is where something like Airbnb Experiences can be surprisingly helpful. Letting your child scroll through and pick an activity, whether it is a cooking class, outdoor adventure, or something hands-on, gives them a sense of ownership before you even leave.

It does not have to be complicated.

But when kids feel included, they show up differently.

More engaged. More excited. More invested in the experience.

Making Travel Feel Easier (Not Overwhelming)

One of the biggest reasons parents default back to “stuff” instead of experiences?

Travel can feel like a lot.

The planning. The packing. The logistics.

Which is why where you stay matters more than people realize.

Platforms like Kid & Coe focus on family-friendly spaces that are actually designed with kids in mind. Think layouts that make sense, homes that feel livable, and fewer of those “this is not kid-proof at all” moments.

Because when travel feels easier, you are more likely to do it again.

Easy Ways to Create an Experience-Based Childhood

You do not need to overhaul your life to make this shift.

You can start small:

• Swap one gift for an experience

• Plan one intentional outing each month

• Say yes to something spontaneous once in a while

• Let go of the idea that it has to be perfectly planned

This is not about doing more.

It is about making space for moments that matter.

The Part That Stays With Them

Years from now, your child will not remember every toy they had.

But they will remember:
The trip where everything went wrong but you laughed anyway
The place they tried something new
The moment they felt brave

Travel does not just give kids memories.

It quietly shapes how they see the world.

And maybe more importantly…

How they see themselves in it.

The post The Trips They’ll Remember: Why More Parents Are Choosing Experiences Over Stuff appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

$5 for a snack bar at the airport? I don’t think so! These are some favorite snacks that both you and the kids can enjoy.

One of the biggest expenses on vacation is food, and trying to keep kids full while waiting in the airport can put the biggest dent in your wallet. On top of cost, kids need a lot of entertainment when they’re taken out of their normal routines. Below are a few favorites to stash in your purse to keep the kids, and yourself, full and energized throughout the trip!

1. Mamma Chia- Chia Squeeze Pouches

Photo credit: mammachia.com

I LOVE chia seeds! If you’re not familiar, chia is an herb that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and iron. All of these are super important for keeping you full and energized. One of my favorite snacks is their squeeze pouch, which comes in flavors like strawberry banana and and wild raspberry. Throw a few of these in a zip lock bag (they are liquid so TSA needs them to be sealed) and have them ready for a mess free snack after takeoff. Check out other Mamma Chia products, all of which are a big hit in my house!

2.  Emerald 100 Calorie Packs – Multiple Varieties

Photo credit: emeraldnuts.com

These are such an easy snack to throw in your bag, and range in variety from cashews to natural unsalted almonds. If you and the kids like chocolate, check out their cocoa roast almonds, they provide a guilt free option for when you need a little dessert. Plus, almonds and other tree nuts are rich in vitamins and protein, which means you’ll all stay fuller a little bit longer.

3. Skinny Pop

Photo credit: amazon.com

Skinny Pop is a great gluten free and low calorie option for both you and the kids. Popcorn is an awesome source of fiber and satisfies those salt cravings. They have them in smaller packs that you can divvy out when waiting for boarding.

4.  Frozen Grapes

Photo credit: onluglutenfreerecipes.com

When it starts to get a little stuffy in the boarding area, I like to grab frozen gapes to help cool everyone down. Best practice is to get really firm grapes, as they’ll soften when they start to unfreeze. I grab them from the freezer right before we leave, and they tend to last about 5 hours. Just be sure to double bag them, as condensation will happen!

5.  Kind Granola Bars – Multiple Varieties

Photo credit: seriouseats.com

Kind brand granola bars are awesome because they don’t use a ton of ingredients or add a lot of sugar. Some favorites are their Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Chewy Bars and Apple Cinnamon & Pecan nut bars. These are really helpful for keeping everyone full and they don’t make a huge mess.

6. Sun-Maid Raisins

Photo Credit: lovemarks.com

Raisins provide an easy and satisfying snack for everyone, and you can add them to apples and peanut butter for a more substantial snack. Buy the ones in the small boxes and you’ll be golden! You can even pack them in the kids’ backpacks to save some space in your own bag.

7. JIF Peanut Butter To-Go and Stacy’s Multigrain Pita Chips

Photo credits: livingrichwithcoupons.com and cookinglight.com

If you know you’ll have a long layover, or if your family likes more hearty snacks, go for something more substantial like peanut butter and multigrain pita chips. The peanut butter is packed with protein and vitamins, while the multigrain pita chips provide fiber and iron. If you’re not a fan of pita, swap it for your favorite cracker, just try to choose whole grain to get the most health benefits out of it!

Some things to remember:

• Avoid too much fresh fruit and vegetables; it’s hard to keep and you never know how much the kids will actually eat. Think of it this way: anything you wouldn’t leave out on the kitchen counter for more than 5 hours is something you shouldn’t bring.

• Anything that produces a lot of crumbs or a huge mess is something to avoid.

• Taking them out of routine can be a little stressful for the kids, so use this chance to treat them to something they don’t get to eat all of the time. You can also put stickers and bows on the packaging to make it feel more like a surprise or a present for those long landings and takeoffs.

The post Best Snacks to Pack when Traveling appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

But sharing your life with a beautiful new baby doesn’t mean that you need to remain housebound until the toddler years arrive – or that you have to say good-bye to your adventuresome spirit. With the official arrival of summer, the baby care experts at WaterWipes have put together some tips on how new parents can celebrate both their new addition – and the summer season.

• Embark on the Great Grandparent Tour: No one on the planet wants to see the new baby and you – in that order – more than the new grandparents. So planning a trip home, or to see other close relatives, can be a great way to spend a long summer weekend, while ensuring that you’ll have plenty of people willing to lend a hand. Plus, as most grandparents prove to be more than willing babysitters, you may even be able to sneak out for a grown-up dinner or two.

• Keep it Manageable: If you do decide to venture out to a vacation destination – beyond the family visit – try to keep it easy on yourself and your baby. Even for experienced travelers, this may not be the time for an overnight international flight or “roughing it” for two weeks in a rustic cabin. Instead, try for a destination not too far from home and search for accommodations that offer up some flexibility – for example, cooking facilities if you don’t want to eat out at a restaurant every night.

• Stay Cool in the Summer Sun: As much as we enjoy warm weather, it can be tough on everyone’s skin – but especially for a new baby. WaterWipes, the world’s only chemical-free baby wipes, can be comforting on a new baby’s skin during the hot summer months, as they contain only two ingredients: 99.9% water and a tiny droplet of fruit extract. They also can help avoid diaper rash and won’t irritate other sensitive skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Before venturing out on a warm day, toss your pack of WaterWipes in the refrigerator so you can soothe and refresh your baby with a cool wipe during your outing.

• Talk to Other Moms: Experienced Moms can be a great resource when contemplating a vacation with a new baby, so get the scoop from your Mom friends about what works and what doesn’t for your first vacation as a family. From diaper bag essentials to what to bring along on a car trip, Moms-in-the-know can be the difference between a successful trip and one that leaves you longing for the comforts of home.

• Streamline Travel Gear: Between shower gifts and baby presents, new parents now have more baby gear than they ever thought possible. But the thought of bringing it all along on vacation can be enough to deter the most eager traveler. Instead, start streamlining by focusing on the products you use daily. Moreover, cutting down the quantity of what you bring can be another way to lighten the load, as many baby products, such as WaterWipes, come in travel sizes, which can easily be tossed into a travel bag.

The post 5 Tips for Making the Most of Summertime Family Travel appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your family’s holiday vacation, you’re likely turning to popular travel websites or social media. One great tool that’s now available for families taking to the road this holiday season is Trover (www.trover.com). Trover is the latest in a long line of social media platforms, but this is one that is definitely worth a look. Whether you are an intrepid explorer pushing the boundaries, or a hard working parent looking for your next family vacation, you will love the features on the travel app and website.

Easy to Use

Whether or not you are used to other sites/apps like Pinterest or Instagram, and even if you are not a social media stalwart, Trover can help you plan your next family vacation. Here’s why: 

• It is travel, and only travel. You will not have your attention distracted by celebrity photos, selfies or pictures of kittens.
• Visual thinkers will love the format; photos actually taken by holiday makers like yourself draw you in.
• One you are drawn in by the image, you can read the handy information provided by the person who took it. Handy hints abound that can help you plan your family vacation.
• Don’t worry if geography is not your thing. Each photo is geo-tagged, and you can see in a Google maps format exactly where in the world it was taken.
• You can collate the images that inspire you into a ‘list’ (like a Pinterest board) to keep track of your dream vacations.
• You can follow lists that other people have made, and participate in the growing online community that shares inspiring images and useful knowledge.

Inspiring

Trover can help inspire your next winter wonderland vacation. For example, if you are planning a ski vacation for you and your family, why not look to Trover for inspiration? There are many lists created by real travelers like you to help you find the best places to go.

Here is just one example of the top ski resorts: 

http://blog.trover.com/6-best-ski-resorts-usa/

The same thing applies for just about any vacation type you can imagine. 

Helpful

Even if you have a destination in mind, Trover can be a treasure trove of useful information. Everyone knows that Disneyland can be a magical family adventure, but how best to beat the holiday crowds? 

Try Trover: http://blog.trover.com/6-ways-to-beat-the-crowds-at-disneyland/

Trover has a wealth of insider and local information to help you to get the most out of your family vacation, wherever you choose to go.

Discerning

Planning a very special vacation – perhaps for a bit of winter sun? Find the very best of the best with Trover. Real travelers can tell you where best to go, and what are the very best things to see and do when you get there. No fear of hyped up promotions; Trover is a community who will tell you how it really is, and show you too.

Perhaps you have decided to go to the iconic tropical getaway islands of Hawaii. Here is a list of the best things to do in Maui:

http://blog.trover.com/5-best-things-to-do-in-maui/

Travel local, too! 

Whether you have a particular city in mind for your next holiday, or are simply looking for information about undiscovered sections of your own hometown or city, Trover is a mine of information about things to do, places to see, and the best places to dine out.

Here, for example, is a list of the best restaurants in New York City:

http://blog.trover.com/page/2/

So, before you decide what to do for your vacation this winter, explore Trover and you are sure to find the perfect trip for you and your family.

The post Holiday Family Travel Inspiration appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

There has never been more access to social media from a barrage of outlets as there is now. Whether a phone or netbook or notebook or mini-notebook or laptop or desktop, just to name a few, social media has made it almost impossible to go without some sort of device to connect to one another with. Though for many parents this may be a sign of the times or an indication that we are spending less time together face-to-face with our friends and family, it can also be a useful tool when it comes to traveling and travel ideas for capturing those moments of pure delight with your family.

Kids are now more tech-savvy than their parents with social media apps and the latest phones and gadgets. They know specs and speeds and what plays the fastest videos. To filter this information and make sure you have a handle on what your children are learning and using their devices for, get actively involved! Travel can help with this.

One way of spending more time with your children on your kid-friendly vacation – or even before the vacation – is to sit down with your children and explain what the boundaries of using this technology will be on the trip. At the same time, however, you can have your children prepare a mini “tutorial” for you as to what are the best ways to capture those precious moments. Though this might seem like a chore, many kids will relish the idea of teaching something to their parents, of holding some knowledge that their parents don’t even have. This in turn makes for a wonderful time of share-and-tell at home where parents and children can learn from each other about various social media apps and what the best ways are for not only capturing great moments and media but saving those moments that will surely take place on family-friendly vacations.

Another important thing to remember is that the technology itself is not the important thing here: it is the quality time spent together on vacation with your family. Many parents exasperate themselves trying to keep up with their children and the latest technology. There are even some parents that have more apps and social media outlets than their own children. But again, the most important thing to remember is that these items are just means to an end, and that end is sharing the actual, lived moments with your children and loved ones. A daily excursion, family meals together, walks around the resort or theme park – these are the times that bring your family together!

It is important for your children to be up-to-date with the technology that will enable them to excel in the classroom, but not all technology is necessary or even worthwhile. Be sure to draw the line with your children as to what they can use and when they can use it. Just because your children have more access than you does not take away from the fact that you are the parent!

In this way, your vacations will turn into fun learning experiences where children and parents experience social media together! Posting pictures online and creating slideshows, making small movies and uploading digital media to watch for a later date all play into this. By setting the boundaries and knowing what you are setting the boundaries for, you will be able to better make use of social media and to make sure that your children, both during the vacation and after the vacation is over, are making the right use out of social media!  

The post Dealing with Travel in the Digital Age appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Most people are probably familiar with the old adage which states that it’s not so much the destination as the journey that’s most important. And for those of us who have children, it is exactly the importance of the journey that cannot be emphasized enough.

Whether it is a short trip to the grocery store, a one-tank road trip or traveling across the country for a destination vacation, the safety of our children is a constant among all the possible variables on the itinerary.

Not only must the journey be kept in mind as far as the safety of each and every child, but ensuring the continued safety of our children once the destination has finally been reached is also something that needs to be taken into consideration.

To this end, companies such as Britax USA are making it easier for parents, whether traveling for vacation or simply on-the-go, to ensure the safety of their children by providing a remarkably comprehensive lineup of car seats, strollers and other accessories for both the inside and outside of the vehicle.

Britax was actually formed back in 1939, and for the last 70+ years, the company has been pioneering the child seat industry worldwide. Indeed, when Britax entered the American market in 1996, it only took a year for the British company to launch the very first convertible car seat in the U.S., the Roundabout.

Since its early beginnings in the child seat industry, Britax has become one of the most trusted car seats in America, as well as garnering the accolade of best-selling car seat in Europe

Indeed, it is from this very first introduction of convertible car seats that, in 2010, Britax redesigned the line to create safer convertible car seats, such as the Boulevard 70-G3.

The new series of car seats, like the Boulevard 70-G3, is outfitted with Britax’s patented SafeCell technology, where the SafeCells, an engineered structure designed to compress in the event of a crash, counteract the forward propulsion that can take place with typical car seats.   

The Boulevard 70-G3, then, weighing in at 19.5 pounds, is an exemplary model of what car seat safety can embody. The Boulevard supports up to 70 pounds of weight, thereby ensuring that, as your child grows, the Boulevard will still provide adequate safety and comfort for your child just as it did at the time of purchase!

An added comfort for your child is the fact that the Boulevard offers an option for both rear and forward facing reclining. This feature, as well as the extra layer of padding included from High Density Comfort Foam, will support your child with the ultimate amount of comfort.

The Boulevard 70-G3 also comes with Britax’s energy-absorbing Versa-Tether, which is located on the back, upper part of the child seat. This latch system, essentially a strap that hooks onto an anchor in your vehicle, allows the child seat to be comfortably tethered to the vehicle in either the forward-facing or rear-facing position.

The Boulevard 70-G3 also comes with an easy-to-remove cover (with 8 different fabric options, including Silver Birch and Aztec, available), matching comfort pads and an infant body pillow. These convenient features allow the Boulevard to be cleaned easily without uninstalling it or even disassembling the child seat.

In addition to the wonderful advancements that Britax has made with redesigning the line of convertible car seats, is the plethora of accessories that can be purchased to accompany the car seats. These products also speak to the company’s dedicated focus on child safety and innovative technology.

One such inventive accessory is the Britax Back Seat Mirror, which is not only compatible with most vehicle head restraints, but also provides a view of your child at any angle while the car seat is in the rear-facing position. Likewise, the Britax Vehicle Seat Protector is designed with non-slip material and raised edges to catch spills and debris, making the vehicle seat protector a breeze to cleanup. The seat protector is also waterproof, while a front seat guard helps to defend the front of the vehicle seat from your child’s shoes.

Britax also makes convenient car seat covers, such as removable covers to keep out the rain, sun and bugs.

To ensure the ultimate amount of fun once the destination is finally reached, Britax also provides stroller accessories. Strollers can be purchased with rain, mosquito and sun covers as well, while useful accessories, such as pouches and organizers for holding assorted items, as well as a cup holder set for children that can be attached to strollers, are also available. There is also the option of purchasing the Britax B-AGILE Child Tray, a useful accessory to match the cup holders and to ensure storage and eating opportunities for your child while on the go.

Regardless of the accessories, however, it is clear to see that Britax USA stops at no cost to ensure the safety of children. With such devotion and care for consumers, it’s no wonder that parents purchase these products with not so much the cost involved in mind, but the equal care and concern for the safety and well-being of future generations: http://www.britaxusa.com/   

The post Britax USA: A Compassionate Company in Child Seat Safety appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

By Lincoln McElwee

Barbecue may not be for every member of the family, but in Kansas City, Missouri, there is more than enough of it to please even the most discerning of meat-eaters! Establishments, such as Arthur Bryant’s, Oklahoma Joe’s, Gates BBQ, and Fiorella’s Jack Stack, all have amazingly delicious variations on the barbeque theme. And that’s what it’s all about, right? There is almost nothing more American than BBQ in the summer, and all the various flavors truly speak to the American spirit of choice and enterprise. And in Kansas City, both enterprise and freedom of choice are taken seriously!

Indeed, one of the most iconic ticks about the city aside from barbecue itself is…well, the debate as to which BBQ is in fact the best BBQ in town! The debate is an ongoing saga that, quite honestly, is just as fun testing out as reading the reviews of both old and new BBQ joints.

I personally sampled Gates BBQ when I spent some time in the city. Gates has been getting a lot of negative reviews lately, which may indicate that this warm-hearted establishment is not the bastion of barbeque that it once was, but with the sheer amount of barbecue in the city, I would definitely put not only Gates but many of the other barbecue joints to the test…to the taste test, that is! Websites, such as the one that the Kansas City Barbecue Society hosts, are remarkably sufficient in providing all of the seasonal entertainment of Kansas City, as well as countless other cities, that revolves around all things barbecue: http://www.kcbs.us/ 

One of the most engaging and unforgettable attractions in Kansas City is the Hallmark Visitors Center. The center is home to a variety of exhibits that focus on the creative products of the Hallmark brand. It offers a free, fun and friendly learning environment for visitors interested in the remarkable and heartwarming Hallmark story. The company has called Kansas City home for more than 100 years, and began when an 18-year-old, Joyce C. Hall, started the company in 1910 with a shoebox full of postcards!

The Hallmark Visitors Center has also added an exciting new feature – Hallmark Live! –where a different designer, photographer, sculptor, illustrator or writer will be available to talk to visitors about their creations on a daily basis! The center is open from 10AM to 4:30PM from Monday through Friday, as well as 9:30AM to 4:30PM on Saturdays. For more information, visit: http://www.hallmarkvisitorscenter.com/

Another thrilling experience for the entire family are the Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun theme parks, where visitors can pay one price for the experience of two separate parks and all of the attractions that both parks offer! Whether it’s getting to learn more about the Mesozoic era with the Dinosaurs Alive! experience, submerging the family in the watery fun of the Oceans of Fun Waterpark, or live entertainment at Worlds of Fun with brand-new shows beginning this summer, there is truly something for every child and every member of the family! There are even places to dine within the park for those with a sweet tooth or with a hungry hankering for those Kansas City ribs!

The park also has a Planet Snoopy Kids Area, where families can spend the day with their children with more than 20 PEANUTS-themed attractions! https://www.worldsoffun.com/

The summer will also be jam-packed with family-friendly attractions at the Kansas City Zoo! One of the events at the Zoo, the Kansas City Jazzoo 2013, was an exciting celebration of animals and jazz. Based on its success, the zoo has created the Kids’ Jazzoo, which will take place this summer on August 23, 2013. The fundraiser helps to provide for the Zoo’s Learning Fund, and is an interactive adventure for children 12-years-old and under. Children will be able to see animals up close, play interactive games, and learn about birds, elephants and polar bears! There will also be food, kid-friendly music, crafts and face-painting. Tickets are $35 for children and adults. For more information about the zoo, visit: http://www.kansascityzoo.org/

The zoo also offers an Adopt a Wild Child program where families can help to care for their favorite animals by donating money to the zoo for the upkeep of specific animals! For more information, call 816-513-5804 or e-mail Carrie Bryan at carriebryan@fotzkc.org.

There are also various museums around Kansas City that families can visit and enjoy learning about everything from Jazz to presidential history, such as the Truman Library & Museum, the Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City, the American Jazz Museum, the Kansas City Museum, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. For more information, as well as other great family-fun attractions, visit: http://www.kcmo.org/CKCMO/Visitors.

The post The Flavors of Kansas City, Missouri Make for an Unforgettable appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.