It Starts with a Square

Are We There Yet?

BY Regan Hewitt

Five minutes out of the driveway headed toward some good, old-fashioned family fun and the dreaded question no driver wants to hear echoes from the backseat. “Are we there yet?” Just inhale, and continue on down the road toward what could be some of the family’s fondest memories ahead. 

If you need an extra nudge to even get everyone out the door, consider the growth that is bound to take place. Once the kids get past their comfort zones of chicken fingers and their phones, they are sure to experience a gift that will only grow for years to come. 

Children need time to unwind, unwire and return to interactive play with their siblings and with their parents. Doing so strengthens the connection among family members, demonstrating how to negotiate conflict, compromise on decisions and respect and learn about each other’s interests,” said Dr. Allison Hanauer, a local psychologist. “Allowing a child to self-entertain with electronics day after day throughout the summer could impact that child.” 

Family vacations are also an important developmental milestone in adolescents. “Family vacations can remind the adolescent of the constancy of the acceptance of family members when friends appear to be frequently shifting. Vacation for adolescents should be a ‘judgment free’ time. Agreeing ahead of time that discussions about choice of friends, late schoolwork, a messy room and arguments with siblings will be suspended during vacation can help create an emotionally safe space for the adolescent to reconnect,” said Dr. Hanauer.  

Vacations can also be an opportunity to do something new as a family. However, sometimes younger children can be more nervous about trying new things, even with the comfort of their loved ones. 

If this sounds like one of your kids, Dr. Hanauer recommends gradual steps. “Provide verbal and physical encouragement. Create your list of gradual steps from the child’s perspective and with the child’s input. Consider having a signal that the child can use to call time-out or stop the activity if needed. All of these steps help the child feel more in control. Finally, listen to what your gut is telling you about your child. You know your child better than anyone else. Allowing the anxious child to gradually and systematically master the steps of a new skill will go a long way.” 

You don’t have to drive cross-country to make these memories. Instead, your family can enjoy one (or maybe all) of these day-drive getaways from Collierville to reconnect and relax this summer!

  • Little River Canyon National Preserve – Alabama

Distance: 4 hr. 38 min https://www.nps.gov/liri/index.htm

Located in northeast Alabama, Little River Canyon National Preserve features Lookout Mountain, breathtaking waterfalls and the beautiful Little River, which flows throughout the park. You can hike to three different waterfalls, or just take a drive along the 23-mile scenic route! You can also travel on horseback or via bicycle through the backwoods trails, where wildlife abounds!

  • Geyser Falls – Mississippi

Distance: 3 hr. 12 min https://geyserfalls.com/

Geyser Falls is one of the top water parks in the nation, featuring 23 acres of slides, a lazy river, a wave pool and a kids zone! There’s also eight acres of sandy beaches and crystal clear water. You can rent a cabana for a day, as well as visit the food court, retail stores, ice cream parlor and catch a show on the outdoor stage! 

  • Garvan Woodland Gardens –  Arkansas

Distance: 3 hr. 27 min. https://www.garvangardens.org/the_gardens/treehouseproject.aspx

The Garvan Woodland Gardens are an unique opportunity to explore nature! There’s beautiful botanic gardens to see, as well as gardens dedicated to model trains and a children’s adventure garden. One of the most exciting features is The Bob and Sunny Evans Tree House, an engineering feat that “floats” between a group of trees. The tree house was designed to bring “children back to the woods” and away from modern life, by engaging them in interactive educational opportunities about nature! 

Please pay attention to city, state and federal COVID-19 guidelines while traveling. Make sure you are wearing a mask and social distancing when necessary. Wishing you safe and happy travels!

 

Story | Anna Bell and Regan Hewitt

Photo Credits: 

Little River Canyon National Preserve photos: NPS / Matt Switzer 

Geyser Falls photos: Pearls River Resort  

Garvan Woodland Gardens photos: Sherre Freeman, Garvan Woodland Gardens

September/October 2021 Tour Collierville Magazine