Summer Travel with Kids

Summer camp is coming to an end and there is always a gap between the end of camp and the beginning of the school year. To fill that gap, many parents opt for a family vacation. As adults it is hard enough to go through the rigors of traveling by ourselves and traveling with kids can make it so much harder.

Let's face it, many people are looking for peaceful quiet trips and a whining child especially on a long trip can be very annoying. However, as tough as it is to listen to the screams and demands of a toddler in an airplane, it can be very distressing for parents who have to deal with it. Not only do parents feel out of control and harried by the children, they also feel the pressure from the disapproving stares of everyone else around them.

If you are a parent, take heart in the knowledge that children can be easily soothed if you plan ahead.

If your child is an infant

1. Try to plan your tip according to the baby's schedule. Sleepy babies in strange environments are usually very cranky.
2. Try to feed the baby during lift-off and landing. The swallowing mechanism will allow the ears to stay open and hopefully there will be no piercing screams from the hurt.
3. Dress the baby comfortably for the climate on the plane.
4. Change the baby before boarding the plane. They like to feel dry, and hopefully you will not need to balance the diaper bag and the baby on the tiny sink in the tiny restroom.

If your child is a toddler

1. Talk about the trip in advance and let them know the times of departure and arrival. If you will be meeting relatives, let them know how exciting it will be to be met at the airport. Children like to know the outcome of events.
2. Ask your child to choose a few books and toys for the trip. Remember to avoid noisy toys because you are trying to avoid annoying other passengers.
3. If your child has a favorite toy or blanket, remember to take it along. Knowing that 'Teddy' or 'Blankie' will be on the trip with them can go a long way to soothe them.
4. Each time you buy a kid's meal at a fast food restaurant, store the toys and keep them wrapped. During the flight, take out one toy at a time and give to the child. To unwrap and play with each toy may take about 30 - 45 minutes per toy. After 3 toys, you should be a good way into the flight.
5. Just like an infant, you need to feed a toddler while taking off and landing to avoid hurting the ears.

Children at any age
Make sure to give yourself enough time to get to the airport and have them fed. Also, encourage them to use the restrooms before you board the plane. Remember that children can easily sense frustration and will act accordingly.

If you have no children
Whether you are traveling without any kids or have no kids, please be patient with those of us who do. It is so much easier on us parents and also on the kids when we know that we are not causing discomfort to others around us. Lend a helping hand or just give a word of encouragement. This will go a long way in making parents and children comfortable.