If you want to take that vacation or visit those distant family members, and you would like to bring the kids, there are ways to make things easier on yourself. Unfortunately it can be difficult to keep kids sitting down and behaving comfortably for long periods of time in order to get to our destinations safely. Many parents dread any sorts of long trips when it comes to their kids. We know there may be whining, crying, and irritation. Possibly bad behavior due to the frustration of having to hold still for so long. We have all heard the famous "are we there yet" and "I want to get out of the car" quotes. Thankfully, if you put some time and effort into it, you can make a long trip with kids a little better.
For infants, if you are flying then you should be sure to have bottles (or breasts) and pacifiers ready so that they have something to suck on to relieve the pressure in their ears. Make sure you bring a blanket, as it can get a little chilly on planes. Don't forget to pack extra diapers, wipes, and clothes in your carry on bag. Diaper explosions are most likely to happen in the most inconvenient places!! It will also help if you bring along a few favorite toys to keep their attention. Thankfully babies are usually happy just being held. I know my oldest was great on planes, and the only problem I had with him was the ear aches from the pressure afterwards. If you are in the car with a baby, same rules apply with the favorite toys and the changes of clothes and whatnot. Play some upbeat music in the car to keep a good mood and distract the baby. Be prepared to make several stops to get some air. If you think you can, maybe even try to make the trip at night so that the little one will sleep through the whole thing.
For toddlers and preschoolers, be prepared to do a lot of talking and playing on a plane or in a car. Answer questions, and talk about how cars and planes work. Point out the scenery outside and strike up a conversation about it. Bring along favorite toys or even new toys to keep their attention. Play little games or sing songs. Just keep switching activities in order to keep them from getting bored and irritated. Last time we took my oldest on a car trip at I think two or three years old, I drew a car track inside of the top of a shoe box (it has rims so that cars wont fall out of it) and he got a huge kick out of it. I also bought a bunch of new interesting things and put them in a box special for the trip. Random things like stickers, a new pack of cars, silly bands, crayons and paper, things like that. Even still, be prepared to stop when you can to stretch little legs!
For older kids and teenagers, thankfully they are a little easier. Keep telling them how much time is left, or how many miles are left, or even where you are and where you still need to go. I liked hearing all of that information when I used to go on trips as a kid. I liked feeling informed about our progress, and it made the trip seem a little less endless. Sing songs, play I spy and letter games, and prepare a bunch of their favorite music on the iPod to play while you are in the car. Have them bring headphones and books. If you can splurge on a portable DVD player, that would be great.
Most importantly, stay calm and try to enjoy the time together. If you get really frustrated, find a place to stop so you can get some fresh air and a cold beverage or what have you. Try not to be in a hurry, because that will make things a lot harder. Make it a fun bonding experience for all of you. The best part of all will be when everyone arrives happily at their destination!
For infants, if you are flying then you should be sure to have bottles (or breasts) and pacifiers ready so that they have something to suck on to relieve the pressure in their ears. Make sure you bring a blanket, as it can get a little chilly on planes. Don't forget to pack extra diapers, wipes, and clothes in your carry on bag. Diaper explosions are most likely to happen in the most inconvenient places!! It will also help if you bring along a few favorite toys to keep their attention. Thankfully babies are usually happy just being held. I know my oldest was great on planes, and the only problem I had with him was the ear aches from the pressure afterwards. If you are in the car with a baby, same rules apply with the favorite toys and the changes of clothes and whatnot. Play some upbeat music in the car to keep a good mood and distract the baby. Be prepared to make several stops to get some air. If you think you can, maybe even try to make the trip at night so that the little one will sleep through the whole thing.
For toddlers and preschoolers, be prepared to do a lot of talking and playing on a plane or in a car. Answer questions, and talk about how cars and planes work. Point out the scenery outside and strike up a conversation about it. Bring along favorite toys or even new toys to keep their attention. Play little games or sing songs. Just keep switching activities in order to keep them from getting bored and irritated. Last time we took my oldest on a car trip at I think two or three years old, I drew a car track inside of the top of a shoe box (it has rims so that cars wont fall out of it) and he got a huge kick out of it. I also bought a bunch of new interesting things and put them in a box special for the trip. Random things like stickers, a new pack of cars, silly bands, crayons and paper, things like that. Even still, be prepared to stop when you can to stretch little legs!
For older kids and teenagers, thankfully they are a little easier. Keep telling them how much time is left, or how many miles are left, or even where you are and where you still need to go. I liked hearing all of that information when I used to go on trips as a kid. I liked feeling informed about our progress, and it made the trip seem a little less endless. Sing songs, play I spy and letter games, and prepare a bunch of their favorite music on the iPod to play while you are in the car. Have them bring headphones and books. If you can splurge on a portable DVD player, that would be great.
Most importantly, stay calm and try to enjoy the time together. If you get really frustrated, find a place to stop so you can get some fresh air and a cold beverage or what have you. Try not to be in a hurry, because that will make things a lot harder. Make it a fun bonding experience for all of you. The best part of all will be when everyone arrives happily at their destination!
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