The thrill of a road trip can be exciting. On the other hand, with today’s busy schedules, the weekends can be a time of getting caught up on yard work, watching a few episodes, or spending time on a hobby. Many times, we find ourselves recovering from the busy weekdays of darting across town for this or that or attending events and competitions. The weekends can be a time of rest and recovery, just ask my husband. He calls weekend time “My Precious” and clings to every hour. I, on the other hand, could go on a road trip time and time again.

With warmer weather trends and summer months right around the corner, we can shift our focus to the mental health benefits of spending time as a family unit. I know that the thought of planning a vacation or road trip can bring up anxiety for some; however, if you take the focus off the expectation and concentrate on the valued time and benefits your children get from simply being with you, you will be encouraged and say, “Giddy up! Let’s go somewhere!”

Family units are different for everyone, so I use this term broadly. Spending time as a family can have several health benefits such as improved mood and a positive state of mind. Your children love spending time with you; it varies at different stages of development, but just know, your teenager still likes you. Home is where we receive love, validation, and approval. These three aspects are delivered differently based on age, but accumulating positive experiences will strengthen your child’s perception of themselves in this world.

Spending time as a family unit can release all the happiness chemicals you need. These happiness chemicals are a natural enhancement provided by our amazing brains and can be boosted through specific activities: time with family, socializing, being with animals, sun exposure, nature walks, and yes, road trips. The research tells us that screen time, isolating in our bedrooms, and excessive hours withdrawn does not make an optimal human. However, deposits into an emotional piggy bank will increase your child’s self-esteem and their connectivity to you and the family. These deposits provide a buffer that can preserve relationship health during more stressful times.

Children love adventures. They do not have to be exotic or expensive. Your road trips can be local, utilizing the surrounding resources, or you can think broader.

For our growing up family, we used our very own Artesia Public Library. Their summer schedule includes a variety of activities and encompasses wonderful arts and crafts, creative themes, and a range of age-appropriate events. The Artesia Chamber of Commerce coordinates an event each year to provide summer information for families.

If your kiddos are more into outdoor activities, you can create simple scavenger hunts in your neighborhood, at your church facility, or at a grandparent’s home. You may hide different items outside or at a park and do an “Easter Egg Hunt” with a wildlife or bug theme. Another example of utilizing local resources can be visiting the local monuments to do a summer series on the history of each piece.