Now that my kids are older, I don’t really have to entertain them like I did when they were younger. When we do travel together though, we get a chance to see A LOT of exhausted mothers and fathers trying to keep their little ones occupied and out of other passengers hairs. We feel for them, we really do. It’s a lot of work to travel with little ones–in fact, traveling with little ones is more of a trip than a vacation sometimes.
Here’s a couple of tips, if you plan to travel with the kiddos over the holidays that will keep them happy and you sane:
- Convince them that they WILL be taking a nap on the plane. However you do this will depend on your child {and of course, reasoning with a child that is too young is impossible}. Perhaps you can tell them they won’t get to do {fill in the blank} when they get to your destination unless they take a nap. Be willing to follow through, though, so at least the ride home will be easier when they know you mean what you say, if they choose not to take a nap.
- Embrace technology. Yes, kids watch too much T.V., play too many video games, etc. But, now is not the time to get on that high horse. You are in survival mode. they cannot go out and play in the fresh air {though, you may be tempted to throw them overboard after a long flight}. They are stuck, just like you, so give in, and give them some entertainment. Bring a portable DVD player, and iPad, etc. Download a movie they haven’t seen before, so they will be captivated, for at least an hour of the flight. It’s a small concession in the big picture.
- Get new color books, activity books, crayons, markers, etc. Make a big deal about buying them, and then save them for the trip. Get them out ONLY once you are on the plane.
- Snacks. Snacks. Snacks. Do not allow a “hangry” child to ruin the flight when it is totally avoidable. Pack enough snacks to get you through the apocalypse–you won’t regret the space it takes up in your carry-on, I guarantee it.
- Books. You can either read to your child, or if they are old enough, let them pick out a new book to read on the plane. My little ones were amused for quite awhile when I simply read to them. We would talk in detail about each book, just to stretch out the entertainment value.
- Play dough. For slightly older kids, bring a SMALL thing of play dough. Have them mold something and you have to guess what it is–or vice versa, you tell them what to shape, and then they try.
- Tea party. What little girl doesn’t love a tea party? Bring tiny plastic tea cups and plates. Pour their juice/water/milk into the tea cups and place their snacks on the plates. It will take up minimal room, and will entertain most little girls for quite awhile.
- Card games. Bring a deck of Old Maid or Crazy 8’s. When kids have your undivided attention, they will typically behave–or at least, mine usually did.
- If you have really little ones, bring a towel AND a changing pad. You never know where you may have to change them, and a towel can cover the seats a lot better than a changing pad. It drapes and hopefully makes working in super tight quarters a little easier.
- Plastic grocery bags. These are priceless when traveling. They can hold soiled clothes, diapers, or become a quick makeshift garbage can. They have a ton of uses, and they crumple down to nothing.
- Wet wipes. Even if you are past the diaper stage, you want these. They can clean spills, stick hands, etc. They are a must-have, in general, in my opinion.
- Think about travel day clothing. Kids have to remove their shoes and jackets too, so if possible, choose shoes that are easy to remove and put back on. Same goes for clothing–stash jackets in your suitcase if you can. It will make security much easier.
- Gum or a binky. Landing and taking off hurts little one’s ears. They can’t help it. So, if you have a baby, make sure to pack their binky, or if you have old enough kids, have them chew gum during take off and landing. They will encourage their ears to pop, lessening the painful pressure.
- Demand everyone at least try to go to the bathroom BEFORE take-off. Helping a little one in the airplane bathroom is like trying to shove two people into a hamster ball. It is not fun.
- Bring extra clothing for each child. You may not need it, but if you do, you will be super thankful. Plus, if your luggage gets lost, you will be ready to start your vacation without too much inconvenience.
How about you, any travel tips you’ve picked up over the year while traveling with your kids?
~Mavis
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I’m totally preparing for Thanksgiving this year so on the big day, I’m not fumbling around the kitchen like a mad woman. Okay so there will still be some of that, but I’m trying to tone it down with cooking a bit the night before and using my crockpot.
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