Traveling with children can be a difficult thing to do, especially if you are planning a long car or plane trip. Children are usually quite well behaved at first, but as they get bored and crazy, they will also start to be more fussy and irritable. These tips will help you keep them happy the next time you travel:
Invest in a portable DVD player. It’s amazing how long children can be entertained by a simple machine! Carrying a portable DVD player along with several of your favorite movies is a great way to keep the kids quiet on the go. If you’re going to be on a plane, be sure to bring headphones so you don’t disturb other passengers on the plane.
Always have snacks available. Children are less likely to be cranky if they are well fed! Having snacks available is a great way to keep them happy, I usually put the snacks away and then take them out when they start to get a little restless or grumpy.
Toys can be a great way to keep kids entertained, but be sure to bring new toys or novelty toys that are different. Many parents make the mistake of bringing the same toys that children play with every day…and so children are more interested in all the new things around them (that they shouldn’t be playing with) instead of to play with the toys they have available.
Picture books are another good option, because children like to turn the pages to see all the pictures. However, I suggest you stay away from coloring books, because it can be hard to keep kids from drawing on everything around them.
Yes, traveling with children can be difficult, but it can be very rewarding! You will be creating family memories that will last a lifetime, and it will be worth it!