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Posts Tagged ‘Children’

This is the time of year when many of us are packing up our bags and headed to one destination or another. Often times this means packing along children as well. For those of us who have traveled with little children, we know how stressful and uncomfortable this can be. So, if this is the time of year when we are supposed to be happy and enjoying the  moment, how can we make traveling with our children run more smoothly? There are several ways that parents can keep their children occupied when traveling during the holidays; whether by car, plane, or train. Below, I will explain different ways that you can keep your children occupied while enjoying the travel time to your destination.

As an overview, music players, DVD players, video games, coloring books, crayons, and books are all great ways to keep children occupied when seated for a long period of time. All of these things are great for all ages as well. At no fault of their own, children can become restless during a long ride and they need something to do to occupy their attention. Often this is something that is already fun to them and that piques their interest.

Not only does keeping children occupied make the holiday travel time easier for parents, but the time also goes by more quickly for the children if their attention isn’t focused on whether we are there yet or not.
Music Players

When you are planning on traveling with all ages of children during the holidays, take some time ahead of the travel date to load some of their favorite songs onto a music player. If your children are older, they probably already have a music player loaded with songs of their own, but it is important to prepare one for younger kids as well. Being able to listen to favorite songs passes the time by more quickly as they look out the window and watch the scenery pass by. If you do decide to go this route for entertainment, make sure that each child is fully equipped with earphones and that they do not turn it up too high. Not only is this an entertainment option for the children, but it will keep them out of your hair as you travel.
DVD Players  Read more...

An airplane trip is very exciting for kids, especially if they don’t often get to fly. If it’s been a while since you’ve traveled with your children, these tips should help you have a smooth flight.

If you are bringing a stroller along, you’ll have to remove the child and fold it up (the stroller, not the child!) to go through x-ray. Everyone’s shoes will need to come off as well. If you are trying to manage several kids at once, enlist the help of the oldest and let them know in advance what is expected of them. Airport employees are usually happy to help if it gets too much to handle, and often the people in line with you will offer to help.

If you have a baby on formula, take a dry powder form if possible, and add water later. You can buy some water after you go through security.

If you have a very small child that can sit on your lap you won’t need to buy an extra seat. However, it might be worth the extra money just to have your hands free. If it’s a long flight, holding a small child on your lap will get fatiguing.

If your kids are bringing carry-ons with games and such to occupy them, let them know that you expect them to be responsible and keep up with their stuff. It’s real easy to set it down in the waiting area and forget it, or leave it on the plane when disembarking.

If you have an infant, be sure to bring a change of clothes, diapers (bring plenty!), wipes, favorite toys, and maybe a book or two to read to them or, if they are old enough, for them to look through.

For the problem of ear popping, give the kids a piece of gum to chew to help relieve the pressure. Some children are not bothered by it at all.

If you plan to use a car seat on the plane, make sure yours is airline approved (check for a label on the seat).

Be sure to check in early at the airport. It is said that there is never a “too early” at the airport, only a “too late.”  Read more...

Backpacking with children can be a challenge, but it is a good way for kids to learn about the outdoors and develop independence and responsibility. It is also just a great way to have fun. That is, as long as you plan well. Here are four tips to help you out.

1. Generate Interest

Forcing uninterested children to go backpacking is probably a bad idea. They are likely to resist, cause problems, and ruin the trip for all. So try to generate some interest first. A couple good outdoor movies can help. Try to find movies with characters who are the same age or a little older than your children. After watching them, suggest the idea of backpacking and gage the response.

If you aren’t sure that your children are old enough for backpacking, try a camp-out in the back yard first. Let them help set up the tent. See how well they make it through the night, and try your best to make the experience fun for them.

2. Have The Children Plan With You

The more the kids are involved in the whole process, the better. Let them help in choosing the trails you will hike, but narrow the options ahead of time to those most appropriate. Allow them to suggest what foods to bring, again narrowing their options to meals that make sense for a backpacking trip. Show them how to use a map, and how to judge daily hiking distances. Then let them help in the packing.

3. Give Them Responsibilities

If they are old enough, have the children set up the tent or make the fire. If they are younger, you might have them collect sticks to burn, or prepare their sleeping pad and bag for the night. Give them things that they can handle, and let them know they are doing a good job (if they are).

When backpacking with children, it’s okay to let them get a little ahead of you if there are no dangerous animals in the area. Let them be out of sight just a bit, as long as you can hear them or quickly catch up. And tell the older children that they are responsible for keeping an eye on the younger ones.

4. Bring Fun Items