Hey Moms! Here are some tips for traveling with your kids this Summer. With School ending and year end recitals my plate is full. I say lets gear up for rest and relaxation. I’ll continue A Marathon Adoption of Epic Proportions next month. I hope these travel tips are useful. Feel free to add some of your own in the comment section.
Have a great month!
Infants and Toddlers: Be prepared and have the essentials at the ready.
1) Prepare a days feedings, snacks etc. Put them in a cooler or separate bag with all your eating accessories. The “take and toss†containers are great for trips and worth the money.
2) Purchase a nice size diaper bag with multiple pockets.
This way you can put a entire day of baby’s things in one place. Also, set aside a space for mom’s essentials and eliminate your own purse. Backpacks are great for traveling because they keep your hands free to chase down the wayward toddler or handle boarding passes.
3) Purpose to keep your child’s main napping time planned into your day. Even if your child doesn’t sleep, you will all have some downtime. If you are in the car, play some relaxing music that the family will enjoy and say “night-nightâ€. On an airplane? Snuggle up to read a story.
Preschoolers and Elementary School Age: Keep them busy.
1) Schedule regular stops. Rest stops are really great for this. Everyone can go the bathroom and take a walk. It adds a bit of time to the trip, but it is worth the sanity.
2) Pick a classic book to listen to on CD or tape that the whole family will enjoy.
Bring writing utensils and paper. Have the kids make illustrations of the story while they listen. At the end of the trip put it all together in a notebook.
3) Pack your own healthy snacks and drinks. Purchase single serving size items or bag in snack bag size ziplocks. Promote drinking water. On a plane…bring some snacks for sure, but it is just too fun to pass up ordering your own drink from the stewards.
Preteens and Up: Use the time to communicate with your family
1) Get the kids involved before the trip. Get out the old fashion atlas and have them plot your route. Give each one a turn at being the navigator.
2) Make sure everyone has their own personal music device. It is crucial to keeping the peace.
3) Compile a list of topics that you and the kids can discuss. Let each person choose a topic and everyone express their point of view. You and your kids will be surprised how long you can actually have a conversation.
Happy Summer Journeys to you all. Be safe and enjoy your family.
