Trying not to crush DD13’s spirit but…

[Anonymous]

We recently took a brief WV getaway and my 12yo picked up a brochure for a WV Motorcycle Tour—a hotel that caters to motorcyclists and then a loop route of six or seven scenic points, biker-friendly bars and tourist traps and he is DESPERATE to go.

I don't want to explain that, at best, it's a brochure meant for the 55+ crowd who are functionally deaf but had $95k to drop on a tricked out trike for you and the missus, and worst case its some white-trash hellhole filled with criminals.

We're probably going to ask him to come up with his OWN special tour and maybe bring him for lunch at the biker hotel.

[Anonymous]

Make a notes app that is shared (iPhones have these) and tell her to put all her ideas there and you’ll talk about them as you have time and bandwidth

[Anonymous]

You know, what she's doing is not bad.

I do this myself sometimes.

It just doesn't mesh with your ability to handle her enthusiasm.

Find a middle ground and admit that she's not wrong. It's just that it overwhelming you

[Anonymous]

Wait so she’s not showing you legos? All day? And leaving them all over the floor

[Anonymous]

This is how my 12 year old gets. The reality is that the apple doesn’t fall that far from the tree. I love a vacation and do all the planning. I can happily discuss a packing list, what activities to do, etc.

The hard part now is that we have relatively normal but higher than average levels of excitement combined with tween angst — the combo of “let’s watch all the videos about the resort combined with “OMG will my mascara run on a rafting trip and what tank top will I wear”” sends me over the edge. Because it is utterly stupid to worry about wearing makeup that is so light no one can see it while going to the pool, etc. But this is where she is and I try to keep in mind that in a couple of years she probably won’t even want to vacation with us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"We've already seen the video - why don't you research some fun restaurants in the area where we'd like to eat?" Redirect.

+1

I think it is awesome that your DD is so excited. I’d involve her in the planning- research restaurants & make a list, research what conveniences or stores are near your hotel/lodging, transportation if applicable, excursion ideas and any tips and tricks for the area etc. and have her make lists.

+2. I'd take advantage of this and get her to do all the planning. Also have her do all the packing, track down items that still need to be purchased, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have a 2nd child.

+1
Man I feel bad for only children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She's like this as a 13 yo? Does she have anxiety? ASD?

Why would you jump to that? Everybody gets excited about vacations!

Op where are you going that is super exciting?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have a 2nd child.

How would that help for this trip? And a 13 year age gap? No thanks!

[Anonymous]

Journal? Have her do research on the destination and put it in her journal. Restaurants she wants to try, actuvities?