5 Essential Items for a Parental Bucket List
Time flies. Before you know it, the child you just sent off to Pre-K for the first time will be on his way to college. Rather than relying on life events to come up as they happen, some parents create childhood bucket lists. These are lists of things to do before your child turns 18. Consider adding items you and your child can both enjoy that will become cherished lifelong memories. Here are our suggestions.
Take a Road Trip
Going on a road trip is a rite of passage. While driving a baby across several states may not be ideal, it can be a great experience for a child or teen with a budding sense of adventure. Pack snacks and toys, and plan for plenty of stops. Roadside attractions will give your child a great opportunity to see new things and burn off the energy he’s not using riding in the car. Consider driving at night if you feel safe doing so, or leave super early in the morning, to allow your child to at least sleep through some of the trip. There’s nothing quite like waking up in a new place.
Go to a Major Fan Event
Large events are coming back, so it’s the perfect time to plan on taking your child to one. If he has a favorite sports team, find a way to make it to a game. A child with more niche interests might prefer an Esports tournament or an anime or comic convention. Is your child always singing? Then take them to a Broadway show or their favorite band’s concert! Experiencing a large-scale live event will be unforgettable for you and your child, especially if there’s travel involved.
Travel to Another Country
This may not be the summer you visit another country due to travel restrictions, but it’s never too early to plan something big for next year. See where your child would be interested in going, and plan out how you can make it happen. If it’s a country where the locals speak a different language, consider lessons for yourself and your child. Help your child see what the world has to offer by planning out your trip far in advance. Add major attractions to the itinerary, but leave a little bit of time each day for exploring and relaxation.
Go on an Outdoor Adventure
What kind of outdoor adventure you take your child on will depend on your preferences and your child’s comfort level. If your child has never seen snow, he’s going to find skiing in it pretty difficult. However, some children can handle the challenge. Camping or hiking can be done without traveling too far and give your child a chance to see what life is like without electronics and the internet. Exploring national parks and monuments is a safe, fun way to explore the great outdoors. Wherever you and your child go, make sure to take pictures! Disposable cameras can be a great option for traveling; they’re inexpensive and easy to use, and they don’t provide instant gratification like digital cameras and phones.
Teach Them How to Cook
Some children go off to college and don’t know how to make simple dishes like spaghetti and scrambled eggs. Teaching your child how to cook when he’s young will not only help them get ahead but can also be a bonding experience. Start with simple recipes that he enjoys, and move on to more advanced cooking and baking techniques when he’s ready. Check in on them, and teach kitchen safety while teaching them how to cook. If your child is simply not a good cook or baker, stick to the basics. He’ll thank you later.
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