More and more families are having family reunions these days, especially during the summer months. While it’s very exciting to see extended family you’ve not seen in years, it can also be a fairly stressful time for some kids. A bit of preparation ahead of time can ease anxiety and make the experience much more positive.

• If long-distance travel is involved, be sure to pack plenty of treats and activities for the kids. Nothing causes chaos like bored kids in a car, and you definitely don’t want them to be grouchy when you arrive.
• Drag out the photo albums and familiarize the kids with the people they’re likely to meet at the reunion. Point out any other kids their age, so they feel a connection when they get to the reunion.
• Depending on the ages of your kids, you may even want to take the time to discuss any sensitive issues/relationships ahead of time so the bulk of the questions can be answered at home.
• Be clear with your expectations. If there will be activities you don’t want your children to participate in or if they will be exposed to behaviors that don’t match your standards for them, discuss that now.
• Explain that you expect them to be polite to everyone but that they do not have to show physical affection (hugs, kisses, sitting in laps) if it makes them uncomfortable.

Enjoy the blessing of family! If your kids see that you treasure the opportunity to be with family, they will look forward to future reunions!

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