The holidays nearly always include travel. Whether it’s multiple trips to the store for groceries and presents, a road-trip to visit relatives, or a cross-country airplane ride to Grandma’s. At some point you’re likely to be packing, fielding “are we there yet?” or corralling your little ones through airport security. As much of a hassle all of this can be, the holidays were meant to be a time of celebration, not stress. It’s possible to travel with your children and enjoy yourself at the same time! We hope you find these tips helpful while mapping out your holiday destinations.
• Involve your children: Make sure your kids know when and where you’re going. There’s nothing worse than feeling like a trip or a family visit was sprung on you. Children tend to react better when they have time to process what’s going on. Even a toddler understands the excitement and bustle that a trip creates. If they get too excited give them a paper chain to tear or calendar days to mark off leading up to the big day.
• Use time to your advantage: If at all possible, pick a departure time that will coincide with your children’s nap schedules, or if they’re older, a time of day that is optimal “rest time.” We all know the monotony of a plane ride or car trip and sleep makes it easier. Allow plenty of time at airports to get through security calmly and perhaps have time to explore a little. Keep in mind high traffic times on the road and do your best to avoid them.
• Label Everything: Write your name on anything you may drop or forget during your trip. Toys, books, sippy cups, blankets, movies, etc. You may also want to color code between children if there’s a chance for a mix-up. A simple label may prevent a disagreement about what toy belongs to what child. They may also like the idea of getting to pick a color or certain sticker for all their things.
• Attitude is everything: Keeping a positive attitude can really help your children do the same. Travel is stressful under the best of circumstances but if you’re able to laugh or make a game out of a tough situation, your trip can be saved! If everyone is getting tired or irritable you may want to enforce “quiet time.” Allow each child and adult some time where no one talks and can do the activity of his or her choice. Down time is key for everyone.
• Create Traditions: Holidaytravel tends to be an annual thing, and is therefore the perfect opportunity to create traditions, which lead to memories. See if your kids can come up with a game, song, story, etc. you only bring out on these trips. It adds to the excitement and overall enjoyment for everyone. You may be surprised what they like doing and what becomes special to them. Sometimes it’s the little things that mean more than the presents under the tree.
• “Travel Only” toys: Most children love new toys and games. Nothing is a better distraction than a “new” item, and what better time to get one than before a long, grueling day of travel? Having something new or something that is only brought when you travel can add excitement while also creating routine. Your child always traveling with a certain item can add to their sense of security in the midst of chaos and may give you added peace and quiet.
Here are some general tips and ideas that should make travel easier and fun!
• Create a playlist or CD especially for the trip
• Grab the baby wipes and hand sanitizer
• Have appropriate travel documents for each child
• Make a list and check it twice!
• Choose toys & games wisely (fun but ok if somehow lost or broken)
• Charge DVD players and iPods (grab headphones and movies!)
• Have bags for trash, especially in automobiles
• Bring children’s medicine
Games:
• Look for landmarks
• How many “red” cars can you spot?
• Follow route on the map
• Guess how many “buses” you’ll pass in 20 minutes & see who’s closest
• Pick a co-captain after each pit stop
• Find license plates from each of the 50 states
• Sing as many carols as possible from memory, or write your own!
• I spy
• Make your seats or car a “no shoe zone” or “whisper only zone”
Check out tsa.gov for helpful hints and videos on airport travel. Safety tattoos safetytat.com
By: Raschelle Schottmuller