Raising A Family

Let the party begin! The holidays are here and the hustle and bustle is just starting. The airports are packed, flights are late, and gas prices are climbing daily. You add children to the mix and sometimes it ends up being a recipe for disaster! I, for one, have traveled many a time with a child and haven’t prepared ahead for unforeseen events. Try to take some time and think out what you need and how to handle your travels. Here are a few tips:

• Whether you are flying or driving, have each child pick out a small bag or backpack and fill it with quiet things they would like to do. This way, what they need is right at their little fingertips and they will enjoy the independence it gives them. Coloring books, hand held games, activity books and reading material are a great start. Fill it up with healthy snacks as well. Don’t be tempted to put a bunch of junk food in it to make them happy. The last thing you need is a puking kid who ate too much junk.
• Try and travel during the hours of the day when they are most happy. Many people try and travel when their kids are sleepy, hoping they will simply fall asleep. Most of the time, they just get cranky because they are tired and want a bed to sleep in. Our 8 month old baby won’t sleep anywhere but his bed. We have the hardest time getting him to fall asleep even in the hum of the car. We’ve found the best time to travel with him is in the early morning when he’s rested and happy.
• Remember with little children that they don’t understand flight delays or bad traffic. Try to go out of your way to make the experience fun when you are stuck somewhere.
• When flying, pack some gum for your kids to chew during take-off. It will help unplug their little ears. Make sure a pacifier or a bottle is on hand for an infant. This does the same thing.
• If you are driving in unpredictable weather, MAKE SURE you have extra blankets, food, water, gas and whatever you may need in bad weather. Take your car in for a tune-up before driving so as to avoid any car problems. Don’t leave your home without a first-aid kit, a fully charged cell phone and several weeks worth of any medication that is needed daily. Let someone know your exact route and agenda for when you will be arriving at certain points. Check in frequently so they can be aware if you do indeed end up needing help and need to be located. By doing so, they will know the general area in which you were headed when you lost contact.
• A busy airport is a haven for a predator looking for a lost child. Never ever take your eyes off your children. Don’t think that because you have to pass through security that someone isn’t willing to buy a ticket simply to get near kids that are alone. Anything can happen anywhere.
• Motion sickness medicine will help children who experience illness due to motion. Give it to them at least an hour before a flight or riding in the car.
• Don’t forget to check your seats when exiting a plane. My nephew left a very special blanket he was attached to on a flight once. Try explaining to your little child that you can’t go back and get it. It’s not a fun experience.

Most of all, have fun!! Traveling as a family can be a bonding experience and create lasting memories. Make them good memories! Show your children all the fun things you are passing by on the road. Teach them all that you can about flying while waiting for a flight. Do whatever your family likes to do. You can even discuss your game plan ahead of time with the family so they know what to expect. Be safe and happy travels!