Q: I'm taking him on a vacation, 5 weeks into the school year. I wouldn't normally do this, since I know how important school is, but he's had a really tough year and a half and he's depressed and acting out. So, I'm going on vacation to Las Vegas, and taking him along. Is a journal a good idea and should I include a few pages for autographs of the people he meets along the way, like customs officers, hotel staff etc? I'm intending it to be both a souvenier, and something to show his class when he gets back We are planning on taking both my and my daughter's cameras so we can get candid pics of each other doing things that wouldn't normally be on pics
A: Travel is a very important experience for a child. It shows them that there is more to the world then their back yard. You should get him the journal, absolutely; but given the attention span of most kids these days, remember to sit with him each night to help him make his entries. It is a very good habit, and over time, one that can serve him well. Enjoy the trip!