traveling with grandkids
 

our grandkids, like most kids now days are into electronics and always have with them some game gadget and if we are traveling to show them a new city or nice site, they seldom pay attention unless we stress out that they stop playing.

we wanted to take them to Europe this coming summer under condition that they do not bring any gadgets with them and they said that they do not want to go. Now, their parents are trying to convinced that we should allow them to bring their gadgets along and we are saying that we will not spend that kind of money to see them not pay attention ...........

are we totally out of reality or what?

I agree with you. I am raising a 6 year old grandson and understand that parents like to let the kids play on road trips, cuts down on whining. I put his away when I want him to see the sites, just my rule.

I am in agreement with you. I have grandchildren of all ages and would not want to pay for what would be a trip of a lifetime so that they could spend all their time with their electronics. Leave them at home with their gadgets and go enjoy the trip on your own. IMHO it is also extremely rude of their parents to expect you to allow them their gadgets.

sad but true, leave them behind if all they want to do is play games. have loads of fun!!!

What are the ages? what you think as exciting may not excite them. Unless you are willing to entertain bored, cranky kids you might want to reconsider. Let them use their gadgets during travel, then put them up while siteseeing would be a good compromise.

i agree that the gadgets should stay home. gadgets are wonderful, but kids also need to learn how to interact with others and their surroundings. all of the experts i have seen on TV say that digital time should be limited to an hour or less a day. i think you should stick to your guns about the gadgets. i also think you should convince the parents to send the kids. they will learn so much about other cultures and places... things that can't be experienced on the computer.

I'd see this as a reasonable compromise....only to be used on the plane, train or in the hotel room but not when out and about.

Wow - you have made such a generous offer and they turn it down because they want to play games? I could see they would like to play the games on the plane ride and even at the hotel in the evening because they are used to watching TV or radio which unless they speak the language makes it difficult to listen.

Maybe the compromise would be the gadgets can only be used on the plane and when in the hotel. If they are caught out at any other time they become trash. No second chances, just leave them in the hotel or the item is thrown away. The computer may not work anyway unless they have satellite connections.

Also, so that they know it is no idle threat, make them write out the note that if the equipment is used outside the plane or hotel room it will be thrown away. Make them and the parents sign it, so they know there is no second chance and you will not replace it once you get home.

When my kids were little I threw out toys left on the floor if they were left there too long. Sometimes it is the only way to get thru to them.

I agree with you! Why go on the trip when they can play with the gadgits at home? They would miss so much if they were distracted by them. I remember traveling from Iowa to California and looking at the sights along the way. The mountains were amazing to this country girl.