As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-rahamtullahi Wa-Barakatuhu
We began our home education in June 2009 and began our journey with a trip to the Hijaz to preform Umrah. Alhumdulillah it went well, our elder three sons (aged 11, 9 and 8) preformed Umrah as well and after some struggling they managed to carry their ihram properly too, Masha'Allah. All the boys had their heads shaved and Mash'Allah they looked adorable, esp. when standing next to their father, you couldn't miss the family resemblance.
We learnt alot on this trip would like to share a few handy tips for families planing to preform Umrah: expect your kids to be restless and need to run around after patiently sitting in one place at the airport and in the plane; make sure your child has a card with your contact number with him at all times through out your trip; allocate a meeting spot in all locations you visit and make sure its a place which is easily recognizable (make a little child memorize the name of one of the Masjid's gates for example) so that if they ask a non-English speaking person for directions they will be easily guided; Keep plenty of snacks and liquids handy for the trips on the bus and plane and a few plastic bags incase anyone gets motion sickness. Most importantly, please note, there is a missing persons Office near Bab-ul-Umrah (Umrah Gate) outside the Haraam in Makkah, do locate it once you get there.
