photo by Kirk Horsted

Last week my kiddos had a short week of school because of some teacher work/shirk days… Breaks like this are great, but they also present challenges: How do parents work? How do kids stay entertained? How can we take advantage of the extra long weekend? When I offered to take my 12-year old son on an overnighter to Lanesboro—a quaint nearby river town—I was pleasantly surprised by his enthusiastic “Yes! Let’s go!” And so we did.

We were gone only about 25 hours, yet if felt like a bona fide BreakAway. Why? Because it was just the two of us. Because Lanesboro was truly charming and full of friendly folks. Because we spoiled ourselves. Because we needed a break!

So I dedicate this week’s BreakAway BreakThrough post to all parents: Make time to hang out with your kids. While they’re still kids. You’ll feel younger yourself, discover what wonderful creatures you’ve created, and be reminded of all the (right) reasons you had children in the first place.

BABT12:11 Ways to Enjoy a Mini-BreakAway with Your Son

• Drive in silence and let him read an entire book—Jaws!
• Talk about the differences between small towns and big-city life.
• Point out antiques, farm life and natural beauty.
• Walk around town with no particular place to go.
• Peruse the gift shops to buy little somethings for Mom and Sister.
• Take happy hour at the American Legion and let him have extra popcorn & soda.
• Enjoy not one—but two—long, luxurious Jacuzzis.
• Dine at a funky, hippie eatery.
• Turn him on to great “old” music (e.g. CSNY) and show him an excellent but challenging movie (The Red Violin).
• Stay up late, sleep in late, and eat a big messy breakfast.
• Drive home through driving rain while blasting music, snacking and reminiscing.

The crazy-busy lives we lead may present cumbersome obstacles to taking big sabbaticals. But hey: Everybody can sneak in an over-nighter now and then, right? Your child will thank you. And you’ll get rich — with memories.