Parenting Guru: The perfect Spring Break do over: a mommy & me slumber party

Photo by Amy, Using Our Words
Photo by Amy, Using Our Words

The last few years, Spring Break has not quite lived up to the fantasy it's supposed to be for our family. A couple years ago my youngest, Little, was suffering from severe ear infections that landed him in surgery (at just 7 months old). This year, I'm stuck on bed rest and my oldest son, Big, is fighting pneumonia. Let's just say umbrella drinks and sand castles have taken a backseat to prescriptions and doctor's appointments.

But instead of giving up on the fun, we've planned do-overs. We haven't ever been able to coordinate the whole family for a getaway, so the past couple years, Big and I have had mommy & me slumber parties in San Francisco. It's been a great way to, not only escape for a bit, but to spend some special one-on-one time together exploring the big city that's not too far from our suburban dwellings.

So if you had to cancel Spring Break plans, forgot to make them or just want to plan something fun for the little one in your life, here are some pointers on how to plan a memorable night away.

Step #1- Book a hotel within a tolerable driving distance for your child. It can even be in your own town. If there's a pool, bring swimsuits. If there's a local attraction, pack walking shoes.

Step #2- Pack a goodie bag. I included a puzzle, coloring book, crayons and a new DVD (be sure your hotel room has a DVD player).

Step #3- Determine what your main outings will be, but allow for flexibility should you come across something interesting. (One year Big was more interested in riding the circular escalator in the shopping center than the cable cars. The next year we hit the Exploratorium and Ghiradelli Square, but what he loved the most was watching the ice skaters in Union Square.) Don't forget to ask someone to snap a photo of the two of you together while you're out.

Step #4-
Pick up movie snacks and breakfast goodies on your walk back to the hotel. You'd be surprised what a thrill it is to a little kid to buy pre-packaged donuts and candy at the local drug store.

Step #5-
Order room service. Have a picnic on the floor as you dive into a fun kid's movie (either a DVD you brought or order one from the hotel's on-demand service).

Step #6- Enjoy a good night's sleep. Wake up to another picnic of your breakfast treats.

Step #7-
Spend the morning enjoying the hotel pool, hitting other local hotspots or just coloring and doing puzzles together.

Step #8- Return home and tell the rest of your family about your special adventure.

Have you ever planned a getaway for your little one? What have you done and what tips would you add?

**Amy is a Shine Parenting Guru. Your can read more from her at her slice-of-life parenting blog, Using Our Words or on her Facebook Page.**