Parenting in Progress: Travel with Kids — Chore or Unforgettable Fun?

Traveling with children can be life-altering. Get sleep, eat well, have the patience of a saint. Do all of this before you begin the journey of preparation.

Preparation: If your patience is calm and attitudes are just right, you can involve your children and teens in the decision-making about the travel destination, times of departure, bag packing, etc. This may help with “buy in” from the older kids. However, if patience and attitudes aren’t the positive, wonderful attitudes, then simply forget the involvement and pick the spot, make and post a pre-made list for packing.

Backpacks should be packed and ready for cars/taxis/planes with electronics (who am I kidding?), books, journals and cards.

When my kids were little, we carried around small white books and in the evening after our daily adventures each of us would write in the journal and post pictures of our experiences. We really had no time for electronics. You do need glue sticks, scissors (not on the plane) and markers/crayons.  A cool site for blank books is . 

During the actual travelling, electronic gadgets could save the day (except when you need to recharge). Is that the best method of family interaction? No. Some things to consider may be, “Why are we going?” “What do I want my children to remember?” “How do we want to grow as a family?” 

When plugged in, your children are missing out on family discussions, family travel games, scenery (or strange drivers), litter on the road, and the like. Some of my most poignant memories of car trips with my parents are of the country I saw, people and how they lived, even the cloud formations. 

Remember, those were the days of no electronics, no plug-ins and no laptops. I’d read, sleep, talk to my parents and wipe the slobber off of my leg from my companion, my dog. That’s it. Great memories.

Some packable communication games that can be found at Amazon.com are The Ungame and Chat Packs. Although electronics can save the hassles and the whining, they impede the memory-making. 

Upon arrival:  All electronics should stay in the car or be locked up in some remote area. If going to a hotel, have specific times set for TV and movies. Turn that machine off so memories can be made. 

Have the children help with baggage, backpacks, pillows and more. All ages, including toddlers, can lend a hand. 

Flip a coin or play a guessing game when it comes to sleeping arrangements. (Parents, of course, have first choice at all times.)  Once everyone is fed and you’re settled in, it is time for family exploration!  Check out where to go if someone gets lost and identify location markers to your “spot.”  Find a place for ice cream or a treat and talk about the activities coming up.

How to Entertain a Toddler while Traveling | Cheap Maternity ...

Once your child reaches toddlerhood, you may decide it is the perfect time to plan your next family trip. Toddlers usually sleep through the night, do not need a bottle or breastfed as frequently, can participate in more activities and are becoming increasingly independent. Toddlers are also incredibly curious and constantly on the go, which may leave you questioning how to manage a long trip. The idea of traveling with your toddler may start to seem overwhelming; however, there are a few tips that can make the hours in the car or plane more enjoyable.

Trips in the Car

Trips in the car are usually easier to manage than those in a plane. You won’t have to worry about disturbing other passengers, and you have the opportunity to stop for a break if your child is becoming restless. If you are fortunate enough to have a child who likes to nap in the car, your little one may sleep through most of the ride depending upon how long you will be in the car. To help keep your child from having a tantrum on a car trip, make sure to pack age-appropriate toys and games, including:

Avoid taking a trip during transitional periods of the child’s life, such as moving to a new bed or potty training. A long trip may cause setbacks in these situations. If your toddler is in the process of potty training, consider bringing along a small travel-sized potty chair. Place plastic grocery bags inside the chair for easy clean-up. If your child starts becoming restless in the car, consider stopping to let him or her run around for a few minutes. Ask your children questions about what they see outside the window. Keep children interested in their surroundings by telling them to look for certain items, such as something green or an animal. Pack a cooler of snacks and drinks for your child, such as crackers, cereal and bottles of water.

Trip by Plane

Encourage your children to tell you when they have to use to the bathroom and take them to the restroom frequently during the trip. Keep a small bag stocked with diapers, wipes and a change of clothes with you. Check with your local air carrier to see what items are allowed on board. Pack small toys and stuffed animals that you are allowed to bring in your carry-on bag. Consider buying a few new toys or bring toys that your child has not played with recently to increase his or her interest over the item.

Parents magazine's it worked for me!, from thumb sucking to schoolyard fights, parents reveal their secrets to solving the everyday problems of raising kids

Frommer's Washington D.C. with Kids

Frommer's Walt Disney World and Orlando with Kids

Travel Wisdom

Health & wellness confidential