Traveling with Kids Tips
All you have to do is Google "Traveling with Kids" and you will find an endless supply of articles, tips and stories to arm you and your family. Spend a little time looking on these and focus on your family's trouble spots- ie. packing, entertainment, fears etc. I just wanted to offer a few bits of advice about travel mindset:
- Set realistic expectations
Traveling with children is usually not fun, it is a means to get from one place to another. If you all make it there safe and sound, consider that an accomplishment. If you make it there without a blowout diaper on the plane, puke down your shirt and your son's favorite stuffy left on the plane in North Carolina (happened to us!) then consider yourself lucky!
- Your kids will accept what you bring
I have a particularly hard time with this one. As I write this, I am packing for a road trip and have eight snack choices packed and ready to go. Particularly on a plane trip, where space is limited, you don't need to go overboard. Bring enough snacks to last but don't be over concerned with variety. I also tend to pack too many activities when my boys are perfectly happy making puppets out of the puke bags.
- Let them be when they are happy
This one is kind of tied to the one above. Because I have over packed, I feel the need to go through all the snacks and activities I have brought. I am constantly offering the boys new things, even when they are already totally engaged or happy staring out the window. Don't interrupt the peace!
We have a traveling motto in our family- "Cooperation!" We stress how important it is that we work together. When we are at particularly tricky parts, like getting through security, we let the boys know that this is a really important time for "Cooperation!" The when we make it through without any hitches we celebrate with a family cheer. Transitions are always hard for kids and traveling has so many of them. Give them a basic overview of the trip and then warnings about what will be happening next as you go along. Try to remember to check in with your kids and see how they are feeling throughout the trip.
- Appreciate your time together
This one is also hard for me. In the craziness of getting somewhere, settling in, packing and unpacking it is easy to forget to enjoy. Take enough photos to remember your time but don't forget to get in front of the camera and be in the moment!
Wishing you and your family Bodily Fluid free travels this summer!
P.S. Usborne has some great activity cards, books and sticker books that don't take up a lot of room! Click here for a few examples or to order:
Usborne Website. Let me know if you need any recommendations!
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