Tips for a stress-free summer vacation

(Camp Hill) — Summer vacations are supposed to be enjoyable and restful, but the trips can often be stressful for parents. Camp Hill psychologist Dr. Pauline Wallin says abandoning a child’s routine while on vacation can lead to more stress.

“We’ve been in a routine all year and now bed times are different, meals aren’t always at the same time,” Wallin says. “When you don’t have a routine, you have a lot of decisions to make moment to moment, and that creates stress.”

Wallin, a member of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association, recommends creating structure for the kids while on vacation.

When things go wrong, she suggests taking a picture, because it detaches the parent from the stressful situation, while preserving the memory. The psychologist says if the moment will be something to laugh about later, parents might as well chuckle about it now.