I was in that boat as well a few months ago. I was out of the work force for 4 years. That’s a pretty big gap. A lot changes in 4 years. Computer programs you once used may have changed quiet a bit or have even become obsolete. The place you worked at before you became a full time parent may no longer be around or may not be hiring when you want to return. Your contacts in the company may have moved on and are no longer around to give you a glowing review from within.

It’s not all doom and gloom though, there are somethings you can do to help fill that gap and return to the work force with relative ease.

1. Don’t sit around and do nothing for years. Yes because that’s what we do as stay at home parents right? HA! I’m really referring to your professional development. When you’re an at home parent it’s easy to be consumed with doing things for other people ALL the time. But there needs to be time for you as well.

There will come a time when you want to or need to return to work and having a relevant skill set will be a definite asset. Keep current on the latest Microsoft Office package, learn to use the Internet effectively and if you’re in management take a refresher course on effectively managing people. If you have a continuing education program or adult education program in your area seriously consider taking a course or two that could directly apply to your potential future role.

2. Don’t use cutesy terms for being a stay at home parent. I’ve seen this before – the cutesy terms for an at home parent – “domestic goddess” “domestic engineer” “super mom/dad” etc… In my opinion, this is very unprofessional and comes across that you’re embarrassed to say what you’ve really been up to.

Be honest and be proud that you took the time off to raise your family. You should not leave this time on your resume blank, since a 4 year absence from the work force looks a bit suspect, but include something simple like: 2001-present:  Stay-at home parent to 2 children. This tells your potential employer what you’ve been doing for the past several years and provides a topic of conversation should you get an interview.

3. Do something. Similar to the professional development I mentioned in the first point, try expanding on a hobby or tackling something completely new to you. For me this was blogging, writing e-books and teaching online courses. This was all completely new to me but it quickly became something I truly enjoyed. Turns out these side projects, which I initially started to give me something to do in my down time, were something that really intrigued my new employers.

In addition to my regular work I now write a seasonal newsletter, customize and create surveys and will be designing other sites related to our department. All using the experience I gained in my spare time.

How can you best prepare?

While there is no one answer that can satisfy everyone I do have a few suggestions on how to best prepare for re-entering the work force.

• Brush up your skills by taking a course. Taking a course keeps our skills up to date but it also gets you out and interacting with other adults and it could be a great opportunity to network.
• Start an online portfolio to showcase your work or talents. If an online portfolio is out the question create a paper one that you can bring with you to interviews.
• Start networking or touch base with people you worked with in the past.
• Know what you have to offer and what it is specifically you’re looking for in a job.
• Update your resume. Jobs are posted with little notice and are filled or taken down with the same short notice. Having a resume ready to go at a moments notice is a really good idea.
• Yoga pants and a t-shirt are not ideal interview attire. If you’re like most stay at home parents your wardrobe may be a tad dated or just a bit too casual. Have a go to outfit for interviews should one pop up out the blue.

There are a lot of things you can do to prepare yourself to return to work. Take it slow, have a plan, and proceed with confidence.

Do you have any other suggestions on how we can prepare to return to the workforce?

Whether it’s making dinner, changing diapers, grocery shopping, bathing the kids, waiting for your spouse or significant other, over time we lose sight of what we’re doing and the inherent beauty of what’s around us.

Breathe.
Take it slow.
Pay attention.
Observe.
Immerse yourself in what you’re doing. Don’t think of it as a chore or as something you can’t wait to be over. Love every aspect of it.
See what you’re doing through fresh eyes. What was it like the first time you did this or were in this situation?
See it. Feel it. Experience it.

Beauty is all around us. Sometimes the most beautiful things aren’t flashy, big or demanding of your attention.

Beauty is there, you just have to look.

Many of us talk about prioritizing as it relates to our work but it’s also important to prioritize other areas of our life, like our relationship with our spouse.

Four years ago my wife and I were blessed with our amazing little girl. It’s been the most incredible, fascinating, mind boggling experience but it’s also been one of the most challenging experiences as well.

All of the sudden, our focus had to shift. We were no longer only responsible for ourselves and our own relationship. We were now responsible for raising another human being.

As I’m sure many parents can relate, we quickly assumed the busy role of parenthood which left little time for “us”.

Then recently my wife and I realized we had let parenthood take over our lives and we needed to do a better job prioritizing our relationship with each other.

Since this was new territory for us, we weren’t quite sure how to make this happen so I thought, “Why not use the principles that I’ve applied to my health program?” If it works forfitness, why can’t it work for relationships?

The thing I love about principles is that they can be applied to just about any area of life to help you improve.

They’ve helped me to improve my health and they are working like a charm to strengthen our marriage so I am confident they are principles that can help to improve just about any area of life. Give them a shot and let me know what you think!

Here they are…

Accept

There are always going to be challenges and issues in health, relationships, work etc. First, accept the fact that they exist. Be honest. The goal is to improve. What is the root issue? Try to identify what is the core roadblock to making things better.

Brainstorm

Once you’ve identified the core issue and got it out in the open, start brainstorming some possible fixes or solutions. Don’t complain or blame. The goal here is to think about any possible way to help the root issue get better.

The solutions don’t have to be perfect. Any attempt to improve will help. Even if you try
something and it doesn’t seem to help, you will gain clarity on what types of things will help which will keep you moving in the right direction.

Commit

OK now that you’ve come up with some ideas on how to fix the issue, each person needs to commit to what they are going to do. Without a commitment, you just have ideas. It needs to be clear what steps each person is taking to help the situation. Plus, this step will help you feel like a unified team in attacking the problem which will bring you closer together.

Draw

Now it’s time to put that plan into concrete form. Draw up a written version of what you each decided to do, not just in your head but on paper, computer or stone tablet. Whatever floats your boat.

Again, this doesn’t have to be perfect, just jot down what you each said you would do and then put it somewhere where you can keep track of it.

If you said you would have a date night once a week, make a note of it and then find a way to track to make sure you are both keeping your commitment. I like Excel. Yeah it’s geeky but it works!

I know it sounds ridiculous to measure personal matters like “date nights” but in order to make sure your relationship becomes a priority over the other things in your life you need some way to keep track of what you are doing to work on it. Plus it keeps your efforts front of mind so your relationship will naturally become a priority.

Evaluate

Set a reminder in your calendars for two to four weeks out to evaluate the results. Is the plan you created working? If yes, great keep doing it. If not, why not?

Remember not to blame each other or complain. Just figure out what’s not working and why and decide what needs to tweaked, added or removed in order to make progress. Then, make a reminder to check back again in two to four weeks.

I know life as a parent is insanely busy and doing this type of stuff sounds too time consuming to fit into our busy schedules. But if we let ourselves get too consumed with “the other things in life”, we may lose our connection with one another and that’s not what we want for our marriage or our children.

So if we want our children to see their parents happy, we need to be happy as a couple. And the way to make sure that happens is to dedicate a little bit of time each month on us so we make us a priority. Is that really such a bad thing? Sounds like an investment worth its weight in gold don’t ya think?

Tim Murphy writes at Renegade Dad a site for those who want to separate themselves from the rest of the pack of people who think that becoming a parent means you have to fall victim to “letting yourself go”.

Punishment is easy to see when you’re putting your kids in time out, raising your voice to them or using some other form of discipline. It’s a lot more challenging to see when you’re punishing your kids for being good.

When you have more than one child this is a particularly easy trap to fall into but it’s not so easy to see how it happens. Take a minute and see if you’re punishing your kids for being good, smart, successful etc.

Now, let’s look at a simple example:

Child A can:

• get dressed
• help himself to cereal and
• pack his bag for school

Child B can’t do these things.

As a result more of your time is spent on Child B, and rightfully so as he/she needs more attention to do some of the most basic activities. However, all of this attention spent on their sibling may leave Child A feeling a bit left out.

While this isn’t punishment in the way most of us would describe punishment, it does leave Child A feeling left out, not as important and less worthy (of your time and  attention). Feelings I can say with near certainty that no parent wants to instill in their child.

How to change this

1. Make a conscious effort to devote more time to your other children. If one or two of your kids are more demanding than the others set aside some time to touch base and reconnect with your other children. It doesn’t need to be a huge amount of time but enough to mend some of their insecurities and reassure them that they matter. A walk to a park, shooting some hoops in the driveway or at the school, whatever your child is into take an interest and initiate some together time.

2.  Be aware of how the “neglected” child might be feeling. Sad, lonely, forgotten etc. All kids are different and so will react very differently from each other. While one may feel sad, another may be angry, hurt or feeling as if you like their brother or sister “better”. We know this isn’t true but to our kids it’s very real.

While life isn’t fair and you certainly won’t be able to please everyone ALL the time you can, with a bit of effort, make everyone know they matter.

Are you punishing your kids for being good, without even knowing it?

Being short sighted is a common problem (if I may call it that). Shortsightedness may get you further ahead and may allow you to have more fun, in the short term – but over the long haul it’s rarely ever worth it.

Think about planting a garden. When you start with a blank slate and a desire to have a beautiful garden it can be really exciting. Staring at an empty plot of land it’s understandable that you would want your garden to be lush and thick and full of beautiful flowers, textured plants and a variety of trees. To get that today you need a ton of plants, flowers, and shrubs planted close together.

In the long run however, your garden will be be too dense. Trees may start taking over casting too much shade for other plants and flowers to survive. After 5 years the plants may be too close to the house with the roots damaging the foundation, limbs may fall on the roof etc …

Being short sighted gave you great results in the first year or two but in the long run it proved to be a waste of time, money and energy.

When it comes to our kids, our jobs, or planning for retirement (just some examples), it really does pay to think in terms of the long run.

Being too focused on the day to day activities and simply getting through our tasks in order to appease people, leaves little time to look at the big picture, the long term plan.

Long term thinking allows us to be innovative, create change, and drive purposefully towards what we want our life to look like.

Your Assignment:

1. Take 15 minutes each day to think about the long-term impact of some decisions you’ve made recently (preferably every day this month, but at the very least when you think of  it). Assess whether or not the decisions you’ve made have endurance or do they really just benefit you in the short term.

2. After a few days of doing this exercise assess whether your decisions are still mostly short term or are they becoming more long term.

The thing to remember is making decisions for the long term is not always easy and is not always fun. It may be a lot more fun now to spend every penny you earn on phones, gadgets, homes and cars but doing this in excess will set you up for failure in the long run. You may not be able to retire early or at all, and if you’re really short sighted you may not have given this possibility any thought.

If you find that some decisions you’ve made will not be sustainable in the long run, reconsider. There’s nothing wrong with changing your mind or renegotiating.

Don’t let your short shortsightedness be your demise. There is another option.

Do you fall into this trap of thinking in the short term? How will you work at shifting to long term thinking? Or is it even a problem?

Being the parent of what I would call two perfect children, I thought I had parenting down to a fine art. In my view, I was an expert and could advise all parents of exactly what they should and should not do.

Then number three arrived. Wrecked all my theories and trashed all my mindsets that were, until then, set in concrete. Love that!

My final analysis? I didn’t know squat about parenting and needed to go back to parenting school.

Through the years I have learnt to love each child and go with the flow. Flexible is the name of the game.

Now with three adults in my company – two still at home – well at least they sleep and graze here, and one now married – I’m getting ready for the next challenge – grandparent mindset destruction! Can’t wait!

Anyone got any gelignite?

But let’s get back to being a successful parent. Well, having now guided my number three past her 18th birthday unscathed I must have learned a thing or two.

She graduated as a hairdresser last year and at the start of this year I purchased my first hair salon. During the first two weeks of owning the salon I left on a speaking tour and left the new salon, the staff and my new customers in the capable hands of number three.

Why? Because I was confident that my investment as a parent over the years had begun to bring a great return of love, trust and confidence. I wasn’t disappointed.

So allow me to share some of the keys I’ve discovered, through experience, of how to being a successful parent.

Here are just three.

1. Love No Matter What

Love is a funny word. It has many interpretations. But when it comes to the love between a parent and a child it means this – ‘No matter what you do, where you go, what you say, how you feel – I will love you no matter what. I am flawed. You are flawed. And if that means our love is flawed at times, then so be it. But for as long as I live, I love and accept you for whom you are. I am the eagle. You are the eaglet. May my love equip you to soar.’

2. Lead By Example

Before I ever ask my children to clean up their room I go clean up my shed. I have never asked my children to do what I have not been willing to do myself.

At times, rather than telling them what to do, I invite them to join me as we do it together.

Now that my children are adults, they are free to build upon the foundations laid during their childhood.

For them to pursue their dreams, I continue to show them how to do this by pursuing my own dreams.

They have a shoulder on which to stand, so that they can see and reach further than I have ever reached – aligned to their own unique gifts and talents.

3. Use These Words Constantly

And the words are:

• I’m sorry.
• Forgive me.
• I love you.
• Thank you.
• Please.

Add these to your vocabulary. Share them consistently with your children and, they in turn will start using them. No barrier will ever stand between you and your children, that cannot be broken, if you use these words.

Forgiveness has driven my parents apart from their brothers and sisters – and I chose a long time ago that as for my family and I this would never happen because we have learnt the power of these words.

And Then There Is More…

My children, even to this day, share with me as their father and with their mother things of life at the deepest of levels.

I am often amazed at how much they do share – but I guess it is because trust and openness has been engendered from the very day they were born.

It is extremely satisfying. It is so rewarding.

So go and hug your children. Tell them that you love them. Say that you’re sorry – even if you think they should make the first move. Hey, don’t do that. You always be the first to move, and watch the world move with you.

The great news is this: that even if you don’t know squat about how to be a successful parent – you can start by applying the three principles I’ve just shared with you and watch miracles happen.

I know that there are a bunch of keys, and that I have only touched on three, so what other keys for successful parenting have you found helpful?

Motivational Memo: Children are the mirrored reflection of our parenting.

Peter G. James Sinclair is in the ‘heart to heart’ resuscitation business and inspires, motivates and equips others to be all that they’ve been created to become. Receive your free copy of his latest eBook Personal Success Blueprint at – Motivational Memo and add him on Twitter – today!

As you know this Monday I started back to work full time. I’m not going to lie the first day was incredibly tough for me. I was so sad leaving my kids in the morning, all throughout the day I found myself wondering what they were doing, if they were okay and if they were having fun. Logically I knew they were fine and were having a blast because of who they were with but it was still so incredibly tough.

For the first time in 4 years I had to get up at a specific time, get myself ready to go to work, feed and dress the kids and get out the door so I could be at work on time. I was a little scared as to how it would all go but it actually went rather smoothly.

There are two reasons getting out the door on time was such a breeze.

1. We get ready the night before. I’m sure you’ve heard this before and might even think yeah yeah …. but this is the single biggest factor to getting out the door on time. My husband and I prepare as much as we can the night before. We make lunches, pack bags, lay out clothes, think of breakfast and dinner for the next day, and make sure our bag/purse is ready to go.
The more we can accomplish the night before the less we have to do and think about in the morning (when, let’s face it, we’re not entirely operating at 100% yet).

2. We tag off in the morning. This may be a bit too much detail but as soon as we wake up I make the bed then hop in the shower while my husband feeds the dogs and makes tea. When I’m done he hops in the shower and I get our breakfasts in order. By this time the kids are up so I get them changed and give them breakfast. The last couple of mornings, after my husband left for work I had a few minutes to spare. I read my kids a story, sang songs it was awesome.

A few other habits I’ve gotten into that have helped make the transition to working full time a good one are:

* meal planning – This is a biggie. I get home around 5pm and the kids are hungry so to think of something to eat, make it and serve it before they completely freak out wouldn’t work.

* exercising after the kids are in bed – This is a great opportunity to get some “me time”, unwind and work out a bit of stress and anxiety. The benefit for me with working out later in the evening is I sleep like a rock.

* nightly reset – After the kids are in bed we quickly return toys to the toy boxes, put lingering dishes in the dishwasher, wipe down the counters and make sure everything is ready to go in the morning. It makes getting up, getting breakfasts and the place cleaned up again so much easier.

* being in the present moment – since I’m not with my kids all day I see the time I do have with them as extra precious. Nothing else really matters when I get home except my kids. We talk about their day, we read, we play and we putter in the yard. Already I find I’m much more patient, caring, compassionate and empathetic towards them.

I know this is just the beginning of a long journey, but I’m already optimistic that this is going to work and we’re going to thrive as a family.

Do you have any tips or suggestions on how to stay on top of things to help keep this transition going smoothly?

This Monday, play time is over. I’m returning to work.

Gone are the days of relaxation, chillin, doing nothing all day and having more free time than I know what to do with.

Of course, if you’re a stay at home parent (heck, even if you’re not) you know I’m totally kidding. I’ll be the first to admit that staying at home with my kids is one of the toughest things I’ve ever done. And in the same breath I’d tell you it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. I don’t regret a single day of the past 4 years in the least. I’ve been here for all of their firsts – their first words, first steps, first songs, first crafts, etc…

Why then do I feel so incredibly guilty? I know guilt is a terrible emotion and nothing good comes of it, but I can’t seem to get past it. Will my kids hate me? Will my kids resent me for leaving them every day? Will I miss something so significant that I will regret this decision?

Simple answer right now … I don’t know.

Why this is the right time for me to return to work.

1. I need intellectual stimulation. While being at home with babies and toddlers is a challenge, it’s a challenge in a completely different way than I’m used to and than what I need. I have a passion for learning, contributing to a greater vision and being part of something bigger. I love pushing myself beyond what I think I’m capable of and I haven’t been able to do much of that in the past four years. 

2. I need a bigger sense of self. For the past four years I’ve been mom. Again, I’ve loved it but I need more. There are a lot of different ways to get that sense of self, an identity beyond mom, but it’s been tough for me while being in the home and with the kids. It’s just not working for me.

3. I need more adult interaction. I’ve come to discover that I’m an extrovert. Not in the sense that I’m really outgoing or need to be the center of attention but in the way that I feel recharged and more energetic when I’m around other people. While I love being at home and interacting with other moms, I really look forward to discussing topics in a child free environment where conversations and thoughts can be finished in one sitting, not spread out over an afternoon.

4. I need an income. Okay so I don’t need an income … but it will certainly help to fast track a few goals/dreams we have and give us a bit of extra spending money each month. The kids will be starting school and sports very soon, it is my dream to personally fund 2 wishes for kids through the Children’s Wish Foundation and our house is in need of some pretty major upgrades. Contribute financially to our family will certainly help a ton.

To each his (or her) own.

I know there will be some of you reading this and thinking but these are all such selfish reasons to return to work and yes, I suppose they are.

As parents we all have our own views and ideas on how to raise our families and what we think is right and what we think is less than ideal. I used to think well if you can afford to – why wouldn’t you stay home with your kids? Over these past few years I’ve come to realize that there is a lot more to it than finances.

I am in no way saying that what I did or am doing is what every parent should be doing. I’m also not judging those parents who

1. make the sacrifice (yes it is a sacrifice) to stay home and spend every moment with their children; or
2. decided to return to work immediately after having their children or after maternity/parental leave.

That’s the great thing in this day and age – we all have choices and many of us have the freedom to choose what is best for our family and our current situation. I don’t think we should be judged based on those decisions. It saddens me when I hear people being “attacked” for decisions they’ve made. These “attacks” are based on what – jealousy? lack of compassion? greed? I don’t even know what some people’s motives are.

When it comes to raising kids and our families I think we all do the best we can with what we have at the moment- be that knowledge, finances, grace, wisdom etc …

So for now this is the right decision for me and my family. We’ll see where the future takes us and I’ll keep you posted on our transition to a “both parents working outside of the home” family.

What are your thoughts? Have you been in this situation before? Do you have any advice for me?

**************************************************************

I recently had a post on Success Your Way where I shared a few things I know for sure. Here are a few:

• Usually the right thing to do is the most difficult, but the effort is always worth it.

• We encounter “speed bumps” or obstacles in life to see just how badly we want what’s on the other side.

• Most over-night successes are years in the making.

• You can’t have success without failure.

• Rules are not rigid. When the correct amount of wisdom is applied rules can be bent and even discarded.

To read them all (and share your own) please check out A Few Things I Know For Sure.

Father’s day is just around the corner and this year, just like any other, I’m struggling with what to get my dad as well as my husband. I know I’m not alone in this yearly venture so I thought I would share some ideas that I think would make a great gift that any man would love.

1. Grill kit. Most men I know love to BBQ. If you know a BBQ enthusiast put together a grill kit. Start with an ice bucket and fill it with an apron, a Barbeque Tool Set, some tasty barbeque sauces and a book on grilling. Set aside some time during the weekend for Dad (or hubs) to break into the basket and cook up a killer dinner for everyone.

2. Brag book. Print off some of your favorite pictures of your dad or hubby from the past year. Include pics of them with the kids, grandkids or just being themselves. Put the pics in a small picture book that they can take to the office or keep in their desk. Next time someone asks them do you have any pictures of your kids, they can say yes!

3. Camping weekend. If your husband is the outdoorsy type book a camp site for the weekend and rough it. Use this free camping checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Plan some fun activities to keep everyone engaged and interested. Try fishing, hiking, kite flying and swimming. Include some down time as well … when was the last time you all took a  nap in the afternoon?

4. Treat him to lunch. This is something my sister’s and I do with my dad each year. We treat him to lunch at his favorite restaurant and spend a few hours laughing and catching up. We usually end up going for ice cream after and then head home. It’s a really nice afternoon and come to think of it we really should do it more often!

5. Electronics. If your husband or dad is a techno geek then there is no doubt he would love an iPod Touch or an Amazon Kindle. My husband has both and absolutely LOVES them. The iPod touch is how he stays connected on the go. With thousands and thousands of aps available the iPod touch keeps us organized and productive, let’s us play our favorite games and is a great tool for effective meal planning and grocery shopping. It’s a little luxury that is really quite useful.

My husband is also an avid reader and now with the Kindle he can keep a library of hundreds of books and it doesn’t add clutter to our home. I was never much of a reader but now with the kindle I devour books. It’s portable, really easy to use and most of the books are actually a bit cheaper when purchased digitally.

6. King for a day. Set dad up in his favorite sitting or thinking spot. This could be the couch, a lawn chair outside or a recliner. Set him up with a book or magazine and have a side table with his favorite drinks and snacks. Give him a bell or a horn or ask that he sings a song if he wants your attention or would like something in particular. Young kids will think this is pretty cool and will play into the fun for sure. Cook dads favorite meal complete with appetizers and a fancy dessert.

7. Sports tickets. If you dad is a sports buff get him a couple of tickets to a local home game let him choose who he takes with him but if he can’t decide make yourself available. Team sports not his thing? How about a round of golf or even mini-golf?

However you choose to celebrate your dad or your husband this father’s day remember to keep it fun, relaxed and do what you think he would like to do. No matter what you get or do for your dad I’m pretty sure he’ll love it.

Imagine a future where time travel is possible. We are free to travel backward in time to any point in history. Where would you go? Who would you like to meet? What time period would you like to visit? Wouldn’t it be fun to take a vacation and travel back in time? A time travel vacation.

You could go back to ancient Rome and see how this great society flourished. You could go back to the times of Jesus, and meet the man in person. You could go back to the early days of your country and see how your forefathers formed your government. You could see how folks lived before flush toilets and running water.

Luckily, history is a very interesting subject. So much so that you can likely a time travel vacation without leaving your town, and without risking life and limb in a time machine. (I’ve seen Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, and that phone booth time machine looks dangerous.)

Here are six ways to travel back in time without setting foot in a time machine.

1. Visit Historic Homes

Most cities I’ve lived in or visited have historic homes open to the public. Many of these are beautifully restored to their original glory. Most charge a small and reasonable fee to explore the house and many often have guided tours. These guided tours are the true gems, as the tour guides are a wealth of information. They will tell you all about the house, its inhabitants, the items in the house, and often little bits of trivia and interesting facts. I like to imagine myself living in the historic house and think about what a typical day might be like. Imagine walking down to the well for water or reading by candlelight. Imagine living without air conditioning during the hottest days of summer. A visit to a historic house can really make you appreciate all the things we have today.

Even my small town of 20,000 residents has a beautifully restored historic home. An easy way to find historic homes in your area is to simply Google search “historic home your-city.” This will usually turn up a historic home in or near your city.

2. Visit a Historic Site

Like historic homes, many cities also have historic sites. While some of these sites are might also be historic homes, many are other bits of history. Things like old forts, battle fields, landmarks, bridges, light houses, train stations, factories, etc. The list really goes on and on. Historic sites are fun because they usually come with some good stories, especially if you have a good tour guide. And for those sites that don’t offer tours, they usually have signs describing the events surrounding this little bit of history.

3. Visit a Local History Museum

Most towns I’ve visited have a history museum. Some are small and quaint and others are large and expansive. These museums are great places to learn about the history of the local area. I always find it very interesting to see how people lived in various regions and areas of the country. There are often quite dramatic differences, as the environment played a larger role before the days of electricity and modern conveniences. They also have artifacts from the area and often tell stories of the people that inhabited the area.

4. Visit your Childhood Home

What better way to be a blast form the past than to visit your childhood home? My parents actually still live in the home I grew up in, so it’s easy for me. I like to walk around the yard there and remember bits and pieces from my childhood. If your parents no longer live in your childhood home, you can still head back there and visit the old neighborhood. See what changes have been made and see what things have remained unchanged. If it’s a friendly sort of town, you may even knock on the door of your childhood home and ask the new residents if you might come in for a minute. If you’re going to try that, I recommend brining some old photos to share with the new residents. It will make them feel more comfortable about letting a stranger in, and will be fun for both parties.

5. Attend a History Themed Event

Many communities have history themed events at various times of the year. These can be in the form of battle reenactments, renaissance fairs, pioneer days, or historic living. We have a place nearby that has a big pioneer fair each year. The location is an old pioneer settlement, and they have people dressed in period clothing and working period jobs. Attending an event like this is a great way to slip back into history and experience bits of it firsthand.

6. Visit a Theme Park with History Themed Areas

When thinking history, theme parks aren’t usually the first thing popping to mind. Many theme parks do offer glimpses of history. The Disney parks are especially good at slipping a little history into your day and making it fun. At the Magic Kingdom in Florida, they have a steam ship, Tom Sawyer Island, The Hall of Presidents, World of Tomorrow (which is the future as perceived in the 1970s.) At Epcot the main attraction (that big giant Epcot ball) houses Spaceship Earth; a ride that takes you back through the history of our little planet. Epcot also has the Universe of Energy that takes you back to the times of the dinosaurs. Next time you’re planning that family vacation to a theme park, slip in a little history; the kids probably won’t even know you’re doing it.

My family loves to add a little history to our vacations, and these six items have served us well. I hope you can add a little history to your next vacation. Of course, you don’t have to wait until your vacation; many of these time travel trips can be taken right in your own town and can be great mini time travel vacations to take on the weekends.

Do you have other ideas for time traveling? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments section.

Eric Watermolen writes at Eden Journal where he shares ideas of Personal Development and Self Improvement.