Is family travel a reward for children?

For some families, it's seen as a reward for their children after two stressful school semesters. But is a trip really just a "gift" for the kids? Let's explore.TravelliveLet's find out about this.

What do parents say?

Tuyết (40 years old, Hanoi) currently works as an accountant. Her whole family enjoys traveling and plans to visit Co To Island and Yen Bai this summer. She is very excited that her family doesn't need to wait until Tet or summer; "whenever they want to, they can just hit the road."

She smiled and shared, "Summer is a time when students can relax, play, sleep in, and not worry about studying. Taking them on summer trips also allows them to explore nature and strengthens family bonds and shared experiences. It's not necessarily a reward, but it gives them time away from focusing on their studies."

A family trip is not only a gift for the children, but also a gift for the parents. Traveling is a great time for parents to take time off from work and connect with family members.

Son (45 years old, Da Nang), the owner of a car dealership, shared his thoughts about his family's long vacation: "The fact that my children are diligent and hardworking in their studies makes the family very happy. Taking advantage of their one-month summer break, my family took them to a series of famous landmarks as a reward for their efforts."

The shimmering beaches, the lush green hills, or a clear sky lift everyone's spirits. Everyday misunderstandings between parents and children, or times when parents are too busy to pay attention to their children's feelings, can be compensated for and shared during a family outing.

Ly (43 years old, Hanoi), who is currently running a business, said: “My family has three generations living together (grandparents, parents, and children), so taking the whole family on a trip every summer is a given. During the year, everyone is busy with their own work, so we don't see each other much, even though we live in the same house. Now that my children are on vacation, I decided to take the whole family to the beach in Da Nang to temporarily forget about the city's pollution.”

Children's feelings about the family trip

Not only are parents interested in the trip, but the children also show enthusiasm and want to go on a trip every summer.

For Minh Anh (15 years old), Ms. Tuyet's daughter, the trip was simply a fun outing. She didn't see it as a reward, nor did she need to have good academic achievements to be eligible to go.

"I love traveling with my whole family. I feel comfortable and happy," Minh Anh said excitedly.

Travel is not just a simple gift or reward; it holds wonderful and memorable moments.

Nhat, a 10th-grade student at a school in Cau Giay district, Hanoi, shared: “I think these trips are opportunities for me to talk to my dad more. Normally, he's often away on business and comes home late, so I rarely get to hear him talk or ask how he's doing. Only on family outings do I get to chat with him. In high school, I have many aspirations and want to study abroad, and I want my dad to analyze and encourage me, but I'm usually too shy to ask.”

The trip might not have been the most desired gift for the children. But it was the most meaningful reward after hours of stressful studying.

Thuy Trang, a 9th-grade student in Hai Phong, shared: “This year I’m preparing for the 10th-grade entrance exam, and I’m very worried. I see this trip as a reward to motivate me to do well and achieve high results.”

The true meaning of the trip

If parents think of a trip as just a gift for their children, they are missing out on many opportunities. It's also a gift for those parents who are burdened with worries about life and finances, with no one to share their burdens with.

Parents who travel with the mindset of "the kids are the main thing" are unintentionally wasting their own time for rest and enjoyment.

Sometimes, parents also need to pause and feel the breath of life, nature, and immerse themselves in the stunning scenery that stretches across Vietnam, Asia, and Europe. And they can create beautiful memories with their children wherever the family goes together.

Ha Chuu