Before you go
We live pretty close to several MASSIVE amusement parks in Florida, one of which starts with a big “D” and ends in being broke (seriously, $75 per person for 1 day?) Each time we go, it just tickles me to spot neurotic, paranoid parents. You can spy them pretty easily – they are the ones who have a GPS monitor holstered to their hip and have duct-taped the tracking beacon to their child's forehead. Some might even noose a leash that's disguised as a cute, fuzzy monkey backpack to their child. Alright, so maybe it's all in the name of “better be safe than sorry,” and I must confess that when we are at an event where there are thousands of people walking every which way, I do something a bit silly too. Up until last year, my kidlets weren't old enough to recite my telephone number or address, and so I took a permanent marker, lifted up their shirt and I wrote my phone number on their bellies. Then, I'd train them to find someone wearing a Disney uniform and lift up their shirt. (wince) OKAY, I know I'm a bit paranoid too…but just the smallest, teeniest bit!
Well, thank goodness we never had a need to use the “lift up shirt” strategy, but since we had season passes at Disney and would go practically every other weekend, I'm surprised that the permanent markered phone number didn't become a permanent tattoo!
If you're headed to Club Med with little ones, I wanted to give you some tips. First of all, any Club Med is very safe for children, and I would totally recommend choose a Club Med location that has Petit Club Med™ (2-3 years) and Mini Club Med™: Mini Club Med™ (4-11 years) programs that are designed to make your stay a true “kids' vacation!”
1. Bring sunscreen: Of course you know that! The sun is pretty bright and fierce mid-day and you definitely want to slather on sunscreen several times a day. When you are dropping off your children at the Petit Med or Mini Club Med in the morning, pack a small bag and make sure that you have sunscreen in the bag. The GOs (at Club Med, the very talented international staff that's responsible for your daily happiness are called “GOs”) will make sure that they apply the sunscreen on your children when they head out into the sun. The easiest sunscreen to apply is the spray-on especially designed for kids. Teach your kids to apply the sunscreen on themselves, spraying it on their legs and arms. For face, they can spray the sunscreen directly in palm of hand and then apply on face, avoiding eyes. And don't forget the feet!
While I'm at it, let me recommend Neutrogena's new line of sunscreens for the face. The one I use is called Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF70 Sunblock. LOVE IT. It's light and feels clean. There's no color, no grease and I actually use it as my regular day face lotion. Plus, it's in a pretty gender-neutral tube, so the husband won't feel like a total wuss for using it too. (ladies, have you ever tried to make your husband wear sunscreen that comes in a girly-girl makeup-looking package?!)
2. The right shoes: The kids will be doing all sorts of activities – from stretching in yoga, playing on the playground, splashing in the pool, swinging a tennis racket and tumbling in the grass. Check the daily schedule to see what activities they'll be doing that day and make sure they have the right shoes. If you send your kids in wearing flip-flops and they end up on the tennis courts, that's not so good. The shoes I recommend are the water shoes that have a thick, plastic, flexible sole and neoprene/mesh tops. Those shoes dry quickly, can be easily taken on or off (many have velcro or elastic straps) and have bottoms that are grippy enough to run in.
If you're planning a lot of beach time with your kids, flip flops, crocs and the water shoes mentioned above are great. Tennis shoes, socks and sand just isn't a convenient combo.
3. Kid-safe bug spray: In the evenings, little flying critters start comin' out. The mosquitos are so annoying! Visit a health food store or Whole Foods and you'll find some kid-safe bug spray to keep the bites to a minimum at night.
4. Glow!: One of the most fun family activities at Club Med is the evening entertainment like live bands, a theater show or just great dance music. Either way, keeping track of the kids after the sun goes down can be made easy if you bring along the plastic single-use glow-in-the-dark bracelets or necklaces. Get a bunch of them and each family member can wear one. They're cool enough that the adults won't look like dorks and easy enough to spot where the rest of your group is. It's especially good for kids to be able to spot and keep a watchful eye on their parents (you know what I mean!) Look for them at Target or Wal-Mart. Party stores will also have flashing pins – a little more annoying, but it's battery powered and you can just pin it on your shirt. Trust me, when you're dancin' to awesome music out on the deck, the glow-in-the-dark gear is pretty cool. Just please don't do head-to-toe glow.
5. Family fun: Find out which day the Petit Club Med and Mini Club Med is closed. Usually, it's Saturday, but at some resorts like Sandpiper it maybe Tuesday or Wednesday. Plan on a family excursion that day, like snorkeling, fishing, sailing or tours. Check the activities and excursions desk for a whole list of things you can do together as a family. Of course, just hangin' out at the beach is just as fun too!
6. Snooze: If your kids are still of napping age, ask the Petit Club Med staff what time they schedule quiet time or nap time. Do you kids need their special blankie or cuddlies to sleep? Make sure you pack that in their bag.
Most importantly, relax. The Club Med kids club staff are highly trained and all love children!
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