f you’re planning a family vacation, the excitement of the children can be infectious. It reminds us to stop and look at things with childlike wonder so that even the oldest, most mundane things seem new and fresh again. It’s almost like we get to live our childhoods again through our children and their experiences. However, the part about childhood that most parents have no desire to revisit is the incessant whining, impatience and endless choruses of, are we there yet any time the travel wheels are set in motion. Here are a few tips to deal with the stresses often associated with traveling with kids.
Traveling With Kids
- Prepare To Entertain – Kids get bored extremely fast, due to their short attention spans. This is why it’s imperative to pack things that are not only going to occupy their minds for a little while, but be entertaining as well. Of course, you already know you’ll be bringing their favorite toys or dolls, but you should invest in some new ones just for the trip. They’ll invest loads of time into investigating the new toys, seeing how they work and what all they can do, which makes them a great way to divert short attention spans on long plane or car rides.
- Pack Their Favorite Foods – One of the main reasons kids become fussy is because they are hungry. When you are packing for your trip, make sure you bring lots of their favorite foods for them to snack on along the way. Of course, you want to avoid sugary things that will only give them more energy to protest with, but things like crackers, fruit and dry cereal can really hit the spot on during a long trip when full meals may not be available during transit.
- Dress Them Comfortably – There’s nothing worse than being confined to clothes that are too hot, too small or otherwise unbearable. Making sure your child is dressed accordingly for the weather in clothing that fits him properly will help ensure he’s in a better mood.
- Never Underestimate The Power Of Technology – If your kids are really into movies, video games and other electronic devices, be sure you take those gadgets along with you on your trip. Not only will it give them a sense of familiarity in strange surroundings, with fresh batteries, these items can provide hours of entertainment.
- Expect The Best, Prepare For The Worst – Even the best laid plans can fail so it shouldn’t come as any surprise that your three year old spikes a fever just as you board the plane for your destination. Parents know that anything that can go wrong usually will go wrong so it’s prudent to plan and pack accordingly. Bring fever, allergy and cold medications with you. Don’t forget to pack band aids, antibiotic creams a thermometer and any other over-the-counter medications that you might use.
- Take Breaks Often – Even though you may be in a hurry to get where you’re going and do all the things you had planned, you should remember that children do need their rest. Naps are preferable, but naps aren’t an option, you should always plan a down time or a quiet time for your kids during your trip. If possible, keep them on the same schedule as they have at home. If nap time at home is 3pm, it should be on vacation, too. Consistency is key when trying to establish a stress-free routine with your kids, no matter where you are.
- Involve The Kids In Planning – Sure, this may be your first trip to NYC and you want to see all the touristy sights like the lights on Broadway, but parent need to realize grown up attractions aren’t very attractive to most kids. By letting your children be involved in the itinerary plans and choose some of the attractions you will visit, you can guarantee they will be excited to visit the places the chose, which also help alleviate some of the stress.
- Opt For Family Oriented, Kid-Friendly Accommodations – When you’re booking reservations where you will stay during your trip, be sure to check out different properties and everything they have to offer. Some hotels have a family package that includes video games, movies, arcades and other kid-friendly amenities while some of the larger resort-type properties have entire programs devoted just to kids. The more fun they are having, the less time they will have to whine, moan, groan and complain.
- Listen To Your Kids – This simple trick is one that parents overlook far too often. If you listen to your children when they fuss, whine and complain – they will convey to your what their needs are. Maybe they’re tired, hungry or dirty. Maybe they need to go to the bathroom. Maybe they are in pain. Maybe they are just bored or maybe they just need a hug. If you tune your kids out instead of trying to remedy the situation, you’re only going to make the situation worse and prolong the suffering on for everyone.