We went to Italy for my bisnonna’s 100th birthday when I was a kid and it was one of the most formative, magical experiences of my whole childhood. There are things I don’t remember (or which are fuzzy) that my older siblings do remember, but I also think my memories have an extra special hue because of how young I was. And you’re right—it did give me good practice in flexibility! (I’d never eaten rabbit fresh from the backyard pen, for example!) And it taught me the thrill of visiting new places and trying new things and getting out there in the world. Brava!
So true. Trips abroad can be really enriching for young children. We took both our kids to live in Spain for a year when they were young, and our daughter camped in the Himalayas with us for a couple of weeks when she was nearly 5. Only thing that I'd add to your list of recommendations is to give them the chance to spend time with children of their own age in the countries you visit. We went to a sports day at a primary school in Ladakh (in the Himalayas) and my daughter can still remember meeting the kids there. ✨️
Great point. I am fortunate to have been on both trips mentioned and while not specifically listed in this story, interactions with other children were definitely highlights of the trips, for the kids, as well as for those of us who witnessed meetings with children of other cultures. The language of play is universal.
I love it too! In Italy my kids played with an 18-month-old Italian boy. They didn't speak the same language but they played trucks and that was all the needed to know -- the glorious universal language of play. Love that terminology.
How incredible!! Your daughter is definitely reaping the benefits of that trip still. I love your add-on, great suggestion!
Interestingly, she ended up choosing to study Tibetan Buddhism at university. Who knows - maybe the trip to the Himalayas inspired her? ✨️
I think it DEFINITELY inspired her! That curiosity you sparked when she was so young is still running through her veins. That is amazing.
We went to Italy for my bisnonna’s 100th birthday when I was a kid and it was one of the most formative, magical experiences of my whole childhood. There are things I don’t remember (or which are fuzzy) that my older siblings do remember, but I also think my memories have an extra special hue because of how young I was. And you’re right—it did give me good practice in flexibility! (I’d never eaten rabbit fresh from the backyard pen, for example!) And it taught me the thrill of visiting new places and trying new things and getting out there in the world. Brava!
YES! I love this so much Morgan! It definitely contributed to you as a person, whether you remember it or not!
So true. Trips abroad can be really enriching for young children. We took both our kids to live in Spain for a year when they were young, and our daughter camped in the Himalayas with us for a couple of weeks when she was nearly 5. Only thing that I'd add to your list of recommendations is to give them the chance to spend time with children of their own age in the countries you visit. We went to a sports day at a primary school in Ladakh (in the Himalayas) and my daughter can still remember meeting the kids there. ✨️
Great point. I am fortunate to have been on both trips mentioned and while not specifically listed in this story, interactions with other children were definitely highlights of the trips, for the kids, as well as for those of us who witnessed meetings with children of other cultures. The language of play is universal.
Yes! Those were such beautiful moments!
Love the whole idea of a universal language of play. So true! ✨️
I love it too! In Italy my kids played with an 18-month-old Italian boy. They didn't speak the same language but they played trucks and that was all the needed to know -- the glorious universal language of play. Love that terminology.