Mommy Adventures: Field Trips

Captain Awesome went to his first field trip here in the US yesterday. They had an option to tag along a chaperone or go alone, and though he has been going alone for the past two years to his field trips with Ateneo, I thought I would not pass up an opportunity to document another one of his firsts.

I have been the designated chaperone for my children to their field trips since Captain Awesome started going to school. I actually enjoy going to these little excursions. I take it as another bonding occasion with my children while learning new things and re-learning those that I have buried in the deepest part of my brain. I also cherish these moments because, sooner than later, they will be old enough to go on school trips on their own.

With my painfully nagging urge to always make things better, I take mental notes on how I could improve our field trip experiences in my own little way. That way, my children and I get to focus only on the acquisition of new information, which is what field trips are all about anyway.

Allow me to share my personal survival guide:

1. Be prepared. ? Take the name literally. It is a FIELD trip. Expect to be outdoors and under the sun at some point. Pack up caps (or hats), sun block and sunglasses. You cannot expect the weather to be friendly and cooperative all the time, so bring jackets!

2. Dress appropriately. ? No plunging necklines, dangling earrings and make-up that cannot withstand natural, outdoor temperature. Believe, you, me! I have seen parents who totally glam up for field trips as if they are social events.

3. Dress your FEET appropriately. ? Seriously. There is a LOT of walking (and other physical activities sometimes) involved. It would not hurt to switch from your heels to rubber shoes, sneakers, flats or flip flops for just one day! Note: Take into consideration your destination. Most museums do not allow flip flops.

4. Bring packed lunch. ? Bear in mind that these field trip destinations are also tourist attractions. There may be food within reach, but they are insanely overpriced! That is money you can spend for souvenirs from the gift shop!

5. Water. ? Lots and lots of bottled water. Like I said, walking is an inevitable part of every field trip. You and the kids will be panting and screaming for agua every now and then. There may be drinking fountains all over the place, but I do not trust water systems and run the risk of stomach problems later.

6. Be prepared to hear the juiciest gossip. ? Most mothers who accompany their children to their field trips are stay at home moms. They have plenty of time to hang around in school to learn each student?s family?s dirty laundry. This is why I have always kept my distance from school parents. Sure, I have gained a couple friends from my children?s schools over the years, but I am very selective of those I can really call friends.

7. In relation to #6, get your poker face on. ? Every now and then, you can make REAL friends of some of the other chaperone mommies, but do not be too trusting. They always have something negative to say about another parent (worse, sometimes another child!). Listen, but do NOT take everything you hear as FACTS. React to show that you understand, but not too much, and NEVER give your two cents on a negative subject so as not to give them the opportunity to twist the story as if you were the source of ?information?. High school-ish, I know. But it happens.

I may have more, but this is all I can think of at the moment. Care to share yours?