Even in the midst of holiday cheer, this time of year can certainly be stressful. Inclement weather, crowds, budgets and not least of all – travel. Whether you’re driving or flying, consider these fun ways to keep the kids occupied.
Plan ahead. Get the kids involved in the planning process so they have a sense of ownership in the trip ahead. Give them simple tasks to complete in the days or hours before you leave. Before you arrive at your destination, let them scout out nearby places for entertainment like a movie theater, an ice skating rink or a festival of lights.
Be flexible. Mishaps happen – especially when you’re traveling with little ones. Whether it’s a potty accident for a spill, do your best to remember family time is most important. Besides, the mini-meltdowns may be good for a laugh…one day.
Tell them what to expect. After you have finalized the trip details, tell the kids. Kids are often more cooperative when they understand what to expect in the days to come. Knowing when the family will depart, where the family is staying and what kinds of fun activities are planned can help the kids feel at ease.
Bring lots of snacks. A good stash of stacks can be lifesaving! Bring an assortment of fruits, a variety of non-perishable items like cereal, cheese, trail mix or chips as well as bottled water and juice boxes with straws attached. Grocery bags are ideal for on-the-go trash bags; you can dispose of the kids’ trash whenever you stop for gas or when you unload the car at your final destination.
Keep it entertaining. Let the kids pack their own toys, mobile devices, movies and books so they are engaged in activities they enjoy for most of the trip. For the little ones, find an item they have not played with recently so they are more likely to be entertained for longer period of time. Encourage the older kids to count cars, scout license plates or tally road signs for fun. Audio books are also great for tweens and teens to enjoy.
Childproof everything. As much as possible, childproof your car, the hotel room and the family member’s home. It may be a headache on the front end, but childproofing can pay dividends when the toddlers get out of their playpens or when the cousins begin to roughhouse. Create your own travel childproofing kit with a roll of duct tape that can cover outlets, tie down window curtains or cords and keep bathroom cabinets secure.
Plastic for packing. Label clear plastic bags to organize and separate the family’s clothing in each suitcase. Not only is it easier to see the contents at a glance, the bags can also be ideal for storage on the trip back home.
Make time for breaks. As much as you may want to get to your destination quickly, it is important to make time for breaks – especially with toddlers. Depending on how long your trip is and whether you are driving or flying, think about the ideal time intervals for the family to take a break. Cranky kids on the go are no fun for anyone!
