Tips for Holiday Travel with Young Children

Traveling with young children can be interesting to say the least. Planning ahead is important. Use these ideas to help make your holiday travels as smooth as possible. These ideas will make holiday traveling easier on you and your child.

Share the Game Plan
Let your children know all the information about you upcoming travel plans even if they are young. Tell your young children that you'll be taking a trip, when you'll be leaving, how your getting there, and where you'll be going. We often under estimate the comprehension of our children, but it is important for them to know what is going on. Yes, they may ask every day if today is the day the family is leaving for Grandma's house, but the change in routine will be easier on them and you by preparing them ahead of time. Talking about the trip and celebrations will help get your children excited and looking forward to the trip. If flying or taking a train, check out books that talk about these new experiences.

Lots of New Face
Chances are your children will be seeing some new faces or at least ones they don't see very often. Young children tend to get very uncomfortable around new people, especially if there are lots of new people. Create a photo album or small scrapbook with pictures of the family, friends, and pets you'll be seeing on your trip. This is a great way to familiarize your young children with the names and faces of the people they will be meeting. Young children will feel less intimidated in a new situation if they recognize Great Aunt Tess or Sam the Great Dane from the photos. If children recognize people from photos, it will take them less time to adjust to their new surroundings.

Don't Forget the Lovies
Don't forget the lovies, this should go with out saying, but it is very important. Make sure you remember your child's favorite blanket and stuffed animal. These beloved items give your child a sense of comfort and security especially in new situations. Trust me, you don't want to be half way through a ten hour drive and have your child realize that Penny the Piggy is still at home. Also, remember your child's lovies on the trip back home.

Try to Keep a Routine
There is no way to keep your child's routine exactly the way it is at home, but try to keep a basic routine. Keeping a basic routine in regards to eating and sleeping is especially important for young children. Young children can't handle waiting an extra hour to eat lunch, because Uncle Bill is running behind. Let your child eat when they need to or at least provide them with a snack. Make sure your child has an opportunity to nap if needed. Even if your young child has out grown nap time, some quiet time to rest will benefit them. Keeping a basic sleep and eating routine for your child will help you avoid melt downs making things easier on your child, you, and other guests.

Avoid Too Much Sugar
Too much sugar will easily come your child's way during the holiday season. Too much sugar leads to hyper-activity and melt downs. You don't need to deny your child of all holiday treats. Make sure your young child is filling up on healthy foods first, and limit the sugar laden goodies to a reasonable amount. Even if they don't eat like this everyday, it is still important to limit the holiday goodies, so your child doesn't end up with a tummy ache.