Great list! Just a note of caution—I’d be mindful about sending kids unattended to Karme Choling, given its past involvement in SA-related inquiries. Always good to do a bit of research and make sure the environment feels safe and appropriate.
I have yet to figure this out. So far my strategy has been (listen, I say this with the utmost love and care and adoration for my children) benign neglect until they become engrossed in an activity of their own creation and leave me alone to read a book or take a nap or stare out the window. Thanks so much for these suggestions!! I'd love to mix it up and go on a retreat with the whole fam that actually feels restful. I love to travel, but it's a whole different experience at this stage of my life.
It is a WHOLE different experience. We’ve tried a lot of different formats and have concluded that it’s essential for our particular child (who is an extroverted only) for him to have access to experiences with nature, movement and community — that are not 24/7 curated and facilitated by us. In the past we’ve done this through seeking out affordable vacation camps while traveling (YMCA and Audubon Society are popular near us; local preschools also offer options that are open to the public). I’m looking forward to trying one of these whole-family camps this summer though.
This is great, I didn't know family weeks at retreat centers existed! Thank you for this collection of spaces that I will be saving for future reference. I have wanted to go to Omega for a long time, so I look forward to clicking on your previous posts.
What my family has tried in the past is making our own retreat using childcare at resorts in Mexico. Our kids go to the kids club either in the morning or afternoon while my husband and I read, write or go for beach walks during that time. Or a sometimes a spa if they have one!
That sounds dreamy! Any places you’ve particularly liked? My kid is neurodivergent, so I tend to need to ask a lot of questions first with drop-in care, to make sure the setting and childcare providers are a fit, and I know that may be a consideration for others reading here. Having a parent who has gone before and tested the waters is a huge help!
Great list! Just a note of caution—I’d be mindful about sending kids unattended to Karme Choling, given its past involvement in SA-related inquiries. Always good to do a bit of research and make sure the environment feels safe and appropriate.
Thanks so much for bringing this to my attention. I'm going to edit accordingly now. Really appreciate you!
thanks for this very cool list!
I have yet to figure this out. So far my strategy has been (listen, I say this with the utmost love and care and adoration for my children) benign neglect until they become engrossed in an activity of their own creation and leave me alone to read a book or take a nap or stare out the window. Thanks so much for these suggestions!! I'd love to mix it up and go on a retreat with the whole fam that actually feels restful. I love to travel, but it's a whole different experience at this stage of my life.
It is a WHOLE different experience. We’ve tried a lot of different formats and have concluded that it’s essential for our particular child (who is an extroverted only) for him to have access to experiences with nature, movement and community — that are not 24/7 curated and facilitated by us. In the past we’ve done this through seeking out affordable vacation camps while traveling (YMCA and Audubon Society are popular near us; local preschools also offer options that are open to the public). I’m looking forward to trying one of these whole-family camps this summer though.
This is great, I didn't know family weeks at retreat centers existed! Thank you for this collection of spaces that I will be saving for future reference. I have wanted to go to Omega for a long time, so I look forward to clicking on your previous posts.
What my family has tried in the past is making our own retreat using childcare at resorts in Mexico. Our kids go to the kids club either in the morning or afternoon while my husband and I read, write or go for beach walks during that time. Or a sometimes a spa if they have one!
That sounds dreamy! Any places you’ve particularly liked? My kid is neurodivergent, so I tend to need to ask a lot of questions first with drop-in care, to make sure the setting and childcare providers are a fit, and I know that may be a consideration for others reading here. Having a parent who has gone before and tested the waters is a huge help!
This is wonderful! Thank you for compiling this retreat list and sharing.