Around five or six, for my kids. But I know other people's kids who are much older and still have no clue, so I guess it depends. And it depends on what they like to do, too. Kids who enjoy, for instance, sitting down and reading, or playing cards or board games, are likely to be more relaxing to be around than those who prefer to run around screaming and play-fighting (which generally ends up as real fighting).
*nod* I'm thinking five for both will be a better place, as the older child is dealing much better these days than he used to, and better than the current toddler as well. They *are* active, in a non-violent but still energetic way. While that's usually good and healthy, it makes them basket cases for a five-hour car ride. I look forward to the age when they can face such a drive without whining. And without me reaching backward to give them snacks/books/distractions, and wrenching my neck/shoulder in the process. Yeah. Hey, it's me whining now! :)
Oddly, I was never one of those run around and make noise kids even at my youngest. Of course, not being able to run around might have queered the deal...
Yeah, I seem to remember being a quiet child, but then I don't remember what I was like at, say, two. I don't dare ask my parents for fear they'll tell me. ;) I mostly just want the kids to be able to face a five-hour car ride without getting the automotive version of cabin fever...
Ah. I had to do that already by the age of two, because of having been born with such an unusual medical issue that we had to travel great distances to get any theories about treatment, even.
*hugs you* Given that perspective, I am definitely going to stop whining and woman up now. :) Surely to "woman up" is at least as courageous as to "man up"...maybe more so!
For the first version of the question, my kids were 5.5 and 6.5 when vacations felt more like vacations than like "same bullsh-- different location."
For the second version of the question, nobody in our family relaxes or chills on vacation. For us, having vacation with kids "feel like vacation" means that we can hike on cliffs without worrying about anyone deliberately running off them!
Heh, the "not running off cliffs" thing is definitely part of the problem! We were just at the Oregon coast, and even though they've nicely fenced in their dramatically dangerous cliff-tops, I couldn't help feeling a touch of panic when the toddler went careening off the path this way and that. Yeesh. But then, I'll probably still worry about them when they're 20 and doing a study-abroad stint in Europe or Asia or whatever. :) So perhaps it's more about me finding my mentally balanced place.
Still, yes, I'm guessing things will be easier when we've reached at least age 5 for both of them. The current five-year-old was certainly the easier one to deal with, not requiring naps and diapers and all that.
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I'm thinking five for both will be a better place, as the older child is dealing much better these days than he used to, and better than the current toddler as well. They *are* active, in a non-violent but still energetic way. While that's usually good and healthy, it makes them basket cases for a five-hour car ride. I look forward to the age when they can face such a drive without whining. And without me reaching backward to give them snacks/books/distractions, and wrenching my neck/shoulder in the process. Yeah. Hey, it's me whining now! :)
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Given that perspective, I am definitely going to stop whining and woman up now. :) Surely to "woman up" is at least as courageous as to "man up"...maybe more so!
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For the second version of the question, nobody in our family relaxes or chills on vacation. For us, having vacation with kids "feel like vacation" means that we can hike on cliffs without worrying about anyone deliberately running off them!
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Still, yes, I'm guessing things will be easier when we've reached at least age 5 for both of them. The current five-year-old was certainly the easier one to deal with, not requiring naps and diapers and all that.
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