How to Travel With Children With Ease

Traveling with children has been known to stress out many a parent. But KidsHealth.org encourages parents to focus on the bonding experience traveling as a family provides. Indeed with a little planning and a positive attitude, you can get from point A to point B without having a nervous breakdown. You may even have fun.

Things You'll Need

  • Travel-friendly games, crafts and toys
  • Snacks

Instructions

    • 1

      Plan ahead. Don't wait until hours into your road trip to start thinking about how to keep kids entertained. KidsHealth.org recommends having plenty of travel-friendly games on hand so your little ones won't even have time to utter, "Are we there yet?" Tote along an arts and crafts box filled with crayons, coloring books and stickers. Pack flashcards, small toys and travel puzzles and games. And don't forget old standby activities like "I Spy" and "Guess that Song." AskDrSears.com suggests bringing CDs the kids enjoy singing along to so the miles pass more merrily.

    • 2

      Pack wisely. As you put together each kiddo's suitcase, ask yourself, "Does he really need this?" If the answer is no, put the item aside. Lugging more stuff will only make traveling more cumbersome. Involve older children in the packing so your to-do list does not get out of hand. Say, "Pick two pairs of shoes to put in your suitcase." Also, consider what items you can purchase at your destination, such as over-the-counter medicine, to keep your load lighter.

    • 3

      Consider timing. AskDrSears.com notes that some kids simply do not do well on long car trips. If you have had bad experiences in the past with your little one, you may want to time your drive to begin in the evening when he is drowsy. If you or your spouse can manage, drive during the night hours while your reluctant traveler is sleeping. Planning the trip in this way could make it easier on everyone.

    • 4

      Employ distraction. As KidsHealth.org notes, avoiding a mini meltdown can be as simple as taking your tot's mind off of what is aggravating him. Say you are in line to check in for a flight and your kiddo is bored, whining and winding up to cause a scene. It's time to whip out a snack or a small toy. "Look! A new book. We can read it when we sit down in our seats if you behave until we get there."

    • 5

      Stay calm during times of stress. You can't find your son's passport, you're running late and the kids are complaining about being hungry. Relax. As KidsHealth.org points out, little ones can sense when Mom or Dad is starting to lose it. Freaking out will only serve to heighten the stress level of everyone in the family. So take a deep breath and attempt to set the right tone for the trip.

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