and inadequate pegs for the sand and windy conditions, patience is sorely tested. Meanwhile, the 11 year old son is“ incapacitated” with a desperate need for dental floss due to something lodged from lunch in his tooth. Unable to locate the floss, despite clear location instructions from the mother as she battles the flapping tent, he escapes the wind and sits in the car, on the wifi!
Just as the tent was mostly secured, a big gust of wind whipped some dust in to the eyes of the now slightly exasperated teen. While she tries to blink it away and shelters in the car, the Mother laments not having Eye Wash in the first aid kit. Finally, with almost all the pegs in, the usually robust, trusty teen is stricken down again – this time with a bout of dizziness and nausea, extreme enough to need to lay in the car. With insufficient pegs nor arms to hold down the tent fly – whoosh, its off and in the dust, Mother watching in despair. Magically, the son materialises from the car with a perfectly timed“ Should I help?” Oh so perceptive for someone so young!
At this point, our tenting neighbour“ Ken”, offers assistance, having had“ a similar situation yesterday”( minus the floss, dust and dizziness issues) and unwittingly, changes the course of our family history. Because, it was almost“ that camping trip we didn’ t have”. A timely call from the late-having-hadtheir-own-family- challenges-campingfriend suggested“ Put the kettle on, we’ ll be there soon”, was also pivotal in changing the course of history! So, Kettle on, Tea and Bikkies all round, disaster averted and a new plan drawn up.
After tea, camping friend began her own comedy routine with the tent, teenager and pergola. The pergola seemed like a good idea, but a strong wind gust sent that mother, clutching pergola pole, head over heels twisting her ankle. Again, the first aid kit was called for, this time it yielded, the required bandage and tape. Now, with one of the group nauseous, another disabled, and continuing wind gusts we decided to vacate to the beach to clear our minds and moods. We returned, happy and clear minded to our camp area intact and less windy. Together with some neighbourly assistance, we put up our tents and put down the pergola. The welcome calm after the storm.
We celebrated our challenging day with good old fashioned, easy to prepare Spaghetti Bolognese, and a rousing game of all in“ Uno”. The ensuing two nights were less than joyous amidst flapping tents and bending tent poles, but we went on to thoroughly enjoy our camping, grateful we were not dissuaded by the initial challenges.
By way of summary, here’ s a little list of“ Camping with Children hints”, in case you missed them!
1Always be open to the advise and assistance of friends and neighbours and in return, remember to offer help, whenever you can. It will always be appreciated.
2
“ Together everyone achieves more”
3Dental Floss, Eye Wash, a Bandage and plenty of patience. And slip in some extra tent pegs!
4When things go awry, have a“ cuppa” to regroup and always have a quick and easy meal to share.
5Don’ t give up too soon, things will almost certainly get better soon.
Julie Hale has an MA in Industrial Psychology and has varied career experiences in NZ and Australia within the Medical, Military and Corporate environments, having specialised in aircrew, engineer and nursing selection and training. Travel experiences, have been with and without children, from 1 – 5 star, in NZ, Europe, the Americas and Antarctica. Many and varied travel experiences have included bulldozers in Antarctica, horseriding in Chile, a hike to Macchu Picchu and a visit to the Pyramids with Deaf friends. Julie currently spends much of her time volunteering at the school, taxiing children to sports and cultural events and more recently supervising HSC exams.
Maryanne Sayers
Baby Sleep & Routine Consultant
Babies and Toddlers Newborn to 36 months Consultations Mothers Group sessions CPR / First Aid in-home sessions
maryanne. sayers @ gmail. com www. mysleepingbaby. com. au
Simple and effective strategies that work
0417 068 545
FEBRUARY / MARCH – ISSUE 92 27