Kids on the move
HOW TO MAKE THE JOURNEY BEARABLE FOR EVERYONE
Let’s face it – travelling with kids can be challenging. And the younger they are, the harder it can be. Here’s a few tips to make journeys with your kids less stressful.
KEEP THEM ENGAGED
Whether it’s on a long-haul flight, a coach or at your destination, the key to avoiding tantrums and grumpiness is to keep them occupied. Make sure you have age-appropriate activities on hand so they don’t get bored. This may be the one time they’re allowed to get immersed in a game or TV programme on a device such as an iPad. Books are great for kids who can read too. On long journeys, cards or small board games can be a useful way to pass the time. Avoid taking anything with tiny pieces that can get lost, though. Colouring books and crayons are another a great option, or download colouring apps on their device. Older children may enjoy writing a diary or a fictional story based on their trip.
EXPLAIN WHAT’S HAPPENING
If they don’t fully understand what’s going on, they may feel anxious or uncomfortable.
Talk to them about the trip and show them a map of where they are and pictures of where they’re going. Young children sometimes fear travelling away from home means they’re not coming back. Reassure them that they will be returning to everything that’s familiar after having a great adventure.
TRY TO MAINTAIN
A SLEEP ROUTINE
This is really tricky if you’re travelling through time zones, but it’s worth persevering with because it’s important that kids get adequate sleep. Change a watch to the time it is in your destination once you’re on the plane and try to get them to sleep at the normal times, as much as possible. Once you arrive, try to adjust to the time difference as soon as you can.
HAVE SNACKS ON HAND
Hungry kids are grotty kids. Make sure you have a selection of snacks with you – try to avoid ones high in sugar – so they don’t end up hungry and cranky.
ALWAYS KEEP
TRACK OF THEM
It’s so easy for kids to wander off in big public places, such as airports or theme parks. Make sure you know where they are at all times, and tell them what they should do if they lose you (ie, point out staff they can approach or a safe place to go and wait for you). If they have a phone, turn on the tracking function. Also make sure they have your contact information on them too. ORGANISE ITEMS YOU
NEED BEFOREHAND
If you’re going to need things such as child seats for your rental car or portacots, book them well in advance. Expecting them to be available when you arrive if you haven’t prearranged them often leads to disappointment.
CARRY DOCUMENTATION While passports are often all the documentation you need, it can pay to have proof that you are in fact the parent of your little travellers, particularly if you’re a mum who has a different surname to your kids. Take a copy of their birth certificate, and if you’re not travelling with their other parent, it may also be useful to take a letter from that parent acknowledging there’s no issue with taking them overseas.