Travelling with kids can be a bit like taking a herd of wild goats on a holiday. Whether its one or more, it involves more than throwing in some clothes, some favorite music, snacks and a tank full of fuel. Besides, whether its Car or Train or by Flight; having a kid along has its own challenges, just varying levels of intensity these challenges pose depending upon the age of the kid.
For today am sharing the fun and the not-so fun part of traveling with an almost 8 yr old kid. Let me begin with the NOT-SO-FUN part first aka the Tips -
Tips to Keep the Kid(s) Happy during Travel for a smooth and memorable Vacation
Packing the BagTaking and/or giving the suggestions and interests into consideration is an ideal way to keep the kid happy and going, ideal is just help them pack. On the contrary, having the kid pack his own bag and/or rucksack is totally another story. I remember allowing my 8 yr old to pack his rucksack (small and handy which he can carry by himself) once when we were going on a short 3 day trip, so he can put in his favorite snacks and a toy or two and maybe a small story book too. But later found a bunch of toys (imagine the lego ones…phew) and big size story books in his bag, all this and no sign of a single snack in the bag.
Assuming that they know and/or remember what you told to pack would be a grave mistake! Just help them pack and/or run through their packed stuff before heading out.
Activities to Keep BusyWhen on the move be prepared to hand them out some thing or the other to keep their hands and mind busy. This way they will be less fussy and less cranky during the travel and effect less on our moods too.I like to carry some small puzzles, small cars and/or toys (that don’t take space or weigh more), binoculars and a kid’s camera. Avoid Sweet things Its easy to give the kid sweets and pacify their crankiness during travel but that's the last thing we should opt for. Its actual safe and ideal to avoid everything sweet, that includes chocolates, candies and even icecreams when on the move. The last thing we want is a Kid who just got out of a restriction into open space/place and who's high on sugars.Kid’s who eat foods high in sugars tend to have enormous energy levels and are hard to control
Sturdy but smart phoneThis can be helpful in multiple ways –
- Child locator (load an app that tracks the location)
- Ipod (if the kid is into music)
- Mini theater (load some movies, favorites scenes/clips to keep the kid entertained)
- Camera (don’t need any kid’s camera, let him click as much he wants)
- Games (download favorite games, puzzles, crosswords for the busy mind)
Brand the KidOut in Public, branding the kid is the safe bet. Write down the emergency number to contact along with the name on the arm of the kid and/or also put in a contact details card in his pocket and/or rucksack too.Getting lost while in queue and/or in crowd should be anticipated and should be prepared for well in advance.Alternatively giving them a backpack with a leash on is good too, only if you can get the kid to accept that to have that restriction on his freedom of movement; which unfortunately is the hardest thing ever to do… especially with boys.
Handy Baby Wipes and Hand SanitizersStaying away from bugs and staying healthy becomes a priority. The last thing we need is a sick kid. Having wipes and sanitizers handy is the best bet.
Travel friendly First Aid KitNext to wipes and sanitizers, the important things stand as Band aids, pain killer balms, antiseptic and/or anti-bacterial creams, cold and cough medicines are the must. Boy or a girl, having these handy eases our nerves in emergency. And also, controlling a boy is the last thing on easy-to-do list, so having all these precautionary items saves time and panic
That said, the most important things covered; letting them dress the way they want (secretly ensuring its comfortable during travel) is the starter.
Let them be free, have some fun on the move too and keeping their minds and hands busy and tummy reasoanbly happy and full; we as parents have our share of fun too.
Now coming to the Fun part, traveling with Kids is an amazing feeling in itself. They make you see the World through their eyes, through the rosy and colored tinted glasses which we often forget to do being adults. Their attention to details and the minutest things often surprise as how in first place did you ever miss that amazing thing. Besides who doesn’t love a fantasy story here and there, encouraging them to talk keeps them busy and the attention given makes them happy. Now who doesn’t want happy tiny little faces to brighten up the vacay/trip?
Lastly but most importantly, they make you build some unforgettable and ever lasting memories that no adult can ever do in a life time. Cherish them and all their antics while still you can, the day they grow up; these memories tug you at heart making you feel and warm and happy inside! That’s onething one can’t ever takeaway, the memories of those happy faces and the sunny stories behind those amazing smiles.
So that was my story with tips, what's yours?
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P.s - This post is part of Teddy Travelogues contest for Indiblogger-ClubMahindra
