So here’s the thing: there is nothing more stressful on this earth than being in a confined space with your closest family members for a prolonged period of time, which means that camping can sometimes be hellish. Sure, it’s a great way to introduce your kids to Mother Nature and to show them how to build a campfire that could beat one of Bear Grylls’s efforts any day, but when it’s raining and you’re all zipped inside that tent together? Who knows what could happen – war could break out. Here are some tips to help you through it…

Take Activities

First of all, it’s important to make sure that you all have plenty to do. If the weather is good then make sure you have plenty of outdoor games you can play – take balls and bats and maybe even a net so you could set up an impromptu volleyball game. Look at what’s happening in the local area so that you can make plans – you should make sure that you have at least one thing to do every day, whether that’s going to the beach or a local market or checking out whatever cultural experience is closest to you.

Be Prepared

Make sure that you take everything with you that you need to. You might not be sure what exactly you should take camping, but rest assured that going camping with your kids is very different to going camping alone. Take plenty of food, with options for when your kids inevitably get whiny and decide they don’t want hot dogs, and ensure that you’re prepared for any sort of weather that might occur, from rain to wind to strong sun. Sunscreen with a high SPF is an absolute must, along with waterproof shoes and jackets. If you’re not sure what to take, learn more about survival bags here – and remember to pack toilet paper.

Spend Time With Your Kids Individually

You should use any vacation as a chance to get to know your kids better. If you’re going away with your partner and your children, this is your chance to make sure that you spend time with your kids one to one, which you might not always get to do under the busy circumstances of your every day life. Ask them what they want to do, and try to do it as much as you can, whether that’s swimming or walking or even letting them read in the shade of a tree for as long as they like. This is a great time for you to make memories with your family.

Make Sure You Communicate

Inevitably, there will be fights, so make sure that if that happens, you all walk away, take a deep breath, and calm down. Putting a little space between you is the best way to make sure that a family fight doesn’t go too far, and keeping busy is the best way to make sure that the fights don’t start to begin with. Do your best to be fair and to do a mix of what everyone wants to do every day – remember that it’s your kids’ vacation as much as your own.