Planning a family vacation can be exhausting, we’ll share a few tips to help you steer from the stresses of traveling with kids. Remember children’s excitement is infectious, look at things through their eyes so that even the most mundane of things seem fresh again. Here are the 7 key takeaways that may just help reduce the incessant whining, impatience and endless choruses of, are we there yet?
Prepare To Entertain
Of course, you already know you’ll be bringing their favourite toys, but you should invest in some new ones just for the trip, great way to challenge their inquisitive minds. Not sure how you feel about technology with your little ones but its a for sure option to keep them under control should things go sideways in a peculiar situation.
Pack Their Favorite Foods
Photo by Melissa
One of the main reasons kids become fussy is because they are hungry. When you are packing for your trip, make sure you bring lots of their favorite foods for them to snack on along the way. Of course, you want to avoid sugary things that will only give them more energy to protest with, but things like crackers, fruit and dry cereal can really hit the spot during long trips when full meals may not be available during transit.
Expect The Best, Prepare For The Worst
Bring fever, allergy and cold medications with you. Don’t forget to pack band aids, antibiotic creams, a thermometer and any other over-the-counter medications that you might use.
Take Breaks Often
Plan on down time or quiet time for your kids during your trip. If possible, keep them on a similar schedule as they have at home. If nap time at home is 3pm, it should be on vacation, too. Consistency is key when trying to establish a stress-free routine with your kids, no matter where you are.
Involve The Kids In Planning
Let your children be involved in the itinerary plans and have them choose some of the attractions you will visit, you can guarantee they will be encouraged to visit the places you’re looking forward to as well, which also help alleviate some of the stress.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Photo by Eden Project Communities
Look for hotels that have kid-friendly amenities, video games, movies, arcades and other indoor/outdoor activities. Some of the larger resort-type properties even have entire programs devoted just to kids. The more fun they are having, the less time they will have to whine, moan, groan and complain.
Listen To Your Kids
Photo by Roderick Eime
This simple trick is one that parents overlook far too often. Take a second to listen. Maybe they are just bored or maybe they just need a hug. If you tune your kids out instead of trying to remedy the situation, you’re only going to make the situation worse instead of reaping the rewards of having fun in the sun.
Content was originally submitted by contributor “uttoransen”
