Traveling with young children can bring many challenges, as any parent knows. What many parents forget while traveling is that their fellow travelers, by proximity, share their child-related difficulties. With a bit of planning and a little effort, not only can the resentful stares and hostile whispers of your fellow travelers be avoided, but also the entire travel experience can be much more pleasant for everyone involved.
Preparation is a key part of preventing small problems from escalating to major disturbances. A backpack with essentials can help prevent noisy discomfort and the idleness that leads to disruptive and annoying behavior. The backpack should be of a size that is comfortable to carry and, if traveling by air, suitable for use as a carry-on.
For matters of comfort, you’ll want to ensure that you have diapers and a bib or two, if necessary, some moist towelettes, a change of clothes, snack foods, and a beverage. Low-tech is the way to go for things to keep children occupied and interested, as then there’s no worry about batteries. Books, paper, pens, pencils, a small pencil sharpener, crayons, a deck of cards, and a coloring book or two can cover most situations.
Engage the children in activities that will make them think and hold their interest. There is so much to be done with a simple paper and pencil. You can teach a preschooler how to use a number line to solve simple math problems. Hangman is an old favorite that is wonderful for teaching spelling - a quiet family game and help pass time quickly.
Strategic planning, whenever possible, can help make travel less stressful for children. Night flights coincide with when they would typically be sleeping, reducing the chance of experiencing difficulties on the plane that could be disturbing to fellow travelers with no way to escape. Try to avoid scheduling vacation activities for times when the children are usually napping or during the part of the day or evening when they tend to experience low energy and tiredness.
Be willing to take extra steps to prevent others from being disturbed by crankiness due to exhaustion or by misbehavior. For example, taking a loud child away from others, perhaps outside for a bit of fresh air, does two things. In addition to making sure that your situation isn’t making an unpleasant and tense atmosphere for others, you are teaching your behavioral expectations, which will make things easier for you as time goes on.
Thoughtful travel preparation can serve to reduce the stress and strain of havng young children along. When their physical needs are met and their minds and imaginations are occupied, children are much more likely to behave well, making the experience a much more pleasant one for your family and those sharing your travel space.