On The Road and In The Air
Though the rains (and snow!) are still coming, before you know it, the warm weather and vacation times will be here. You may already be thinking about travel plans. Whether a short trip to Portland or a long trip to see faraway grandparents, if you’re traveling with children -- plan ahead!
The Plan
It’s a good rule of thumb to expect and plan for things to take longer and be slower, particularly if traveling is new to your child.Other issues to consider before you “walk out the door” include:
Safety
Explain to your child safety rules. How much and what to say will depend on your child’s age, developmental stage, personality and type of trip you’re taking.Cars:
- Seatbelts must always be on. Kids should always ride in the back seat and remain in car seats or booster seats.
- Screaming, throwing things (even playfully), or distracting the driver can be dangerous.
- Bring “soft” toys in case something does get thrown.
- Remember any loose items in the car becomes a projectile in the case of a crash.
- Newer cars often have a way for the driver to control door and window locks. If your car does not have this feature, make sure your child knows door locks and windows are not to be played with.
- If safety rules are being challenged, sit with your child in the back to monitor the situation (unless you’re the driver!).
Planes:
- Seatbelts are not usually required for the whole trip, though it might be good to keep seatbelts on except for stretching or restroom breaks.
- Not throwing things on planes is also a good idea and keeping voices down to avoid bothering other passengers is appreciated by everyone.
Repeat After Me
Make sure your child knows the rules before you take off – simple and few works best. Have them say rules aloud before the trip and repeat as needed:
- Keep seatbelt on.
- Your stuff is either on your lap or in your backpack.
Provide Information
Everyone likes to know what’s happening and so does your child.
- Tell your child where you are going and how long it will take.
- Provide age-appropriate details.
- We are passing through the place where Grandpa was born.
- We are driving 600 miles.
Vary Activities
Consider how long your child can be attentive – do they need something new every 20 minutes or can they stay engaged for an hour? There are lots of activities to choose from:
- Try books, music, games, puzzles.
- Wrap up new inexpensive toys, stickers, etc. or even “old” ones that your child hasn’t played with in a while. Give as special gifts as praise for doing well or when your child is getting bored. Even the unwrapping itself can help with boredom.
- Load up movies or apps on a portable device.
- Consider family rules about screen time and if you want to alter that for this “special time.”
Time of Day
What time of day (or night) you travel can change how things go. Things to think about:
- Is it better to drive during nap time or night so your child sleeps in the car?
- Will sleeping too much in the car make bedtime difficult when you arrive at your destination?
- Get removable window shades. It will keep the sun out of your child’s eyes and can help with napping.
- Plan for how a different time zone may affect your child.
Practice Makes Perfect
Traveling is a skill that needs to be learned.
- Taking a long trip by car with young children? Practice by taking 15 minute drives and go over rules in a fun way.
- “We’re pretending we’re going on a trip to the moon. What do we need to do? Stay in our seats while we listen to moon music.”
I’m Hungry
Don’t wait for hunger to set in and be prepared:
- Pack a variety of easy to eat healthy snacks.
- If your child has healthy snacks, you can still stop for a special treat of ice cream. Snacks and a special stop can prevent whining about stopping at every fast food place you pass.
- Flights can be delayed! Bring extra food “just in case.”
- Pack a picnic to avoid needing to find a “decent” place to eat. You can have picnics on planes too!
On the Road, In The Air
Old Time Favorites
Some activities have continued on for decades and more because kids still love them. You can try out:
- Classic travel games for activities.
- Finding animal shapes in the clouds.
- Playing “I Spy” or “What’s In My Suitcase” – name something you’d pack for each letter of the alphabet.
- For older children, looking for license plates from different states or play twenty questions.
- Pointing out sites of interest. Mountains or skylines are great, but don’t forget things like a truck carrying cars and sheep, cows, birds...
Get Out The Wiggles
Kids and adults need to take a break from sitting no matter what way you’re traveling.Cars:
- Take lots of long and short breaks. Consider:
- Quick stretches.
- Time to run around or be in a playground.
- Bathroom breaks.
- Lunch hour (be prepared for a soon-after bathroom stop).
- Places of interest, which can vary with your child or even with the time of day.
- Don’t forget simple things like pointing out an interesting tree or other sights along the way.
Planes and Trains:
- Get up and walk around when it is appropriate. Some trains have dining cars and even activities for kids or play areas.
Crankiness
Traveling can be lots of fun, but hours in a car, plane or train can tax even the most patient person. Here’s some ways to avoid getting the “crankies.”
- Get the healthy snacks out before your child gets too hungry.
- Switch to a new activity if you suspect boredom is starting.
- Change types of activities – sing along, quiet reading, snacking, I Spy.
- Get in the back seat and do finger rhymes or other age-appropriate activities.
- Get your child (even a toddler) an easy to use inexpensive camera for taking their own photos.
- Use airplane magazines for scavenger hunts.
- Can you find something red on this page?
- Can you look at the map and see what states we are passing?
- Praise your child for doing well.
- For older children not following rules, and when feasible, stop the car until the behavior stops. A break from driving may even be what they need to cool out.
Make Friends
On a plane or train? Have your child play peek-a-boo or engage in age-appropriate ways with amenable people sitting nearby. Starting out on a positive note can help if (when) your child is loud or having a meltdown.
And You’re Off!
Family trips make great memories – time together away from daily life, fun and educational experiences, and more. Being prepared in advance, going slow, enjoying activities, having lots of breaks and good food, and, of course, taking in the wonder of it all, will help you enjoy the trip as well as the destination. This article is brought to you by Parenting Now! Parenting Educators and authors, Tova Stabin, Claire Davis and Lynne Swartz and consultant Jay Thompson (andupdatemywebsite.com). Parenting Now! is passionate about happy, healthy families. For more information about Parenting Now! please visit their website (https://parentingnow.org/) or contact us at info@parentingnow.org
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