Let’s Travel! But What About The Kids?
Any time there are the holidays coming up or a long weekend, what’s the first thing that pops up in our minds? We usually think about taking a vacation, a long one or a quick getaway, whatever our time on hand and our budget permits!But for many couples, those with babies and toddlers, there are a few more factors to be taken into consideration while planning a trip. But yes, it is entirely possible to Traveling with kids and that too, travel smoothly.
Once a trip has been planned, there begins the fun of planning and packing for the trip. What to carry and what not? How much is necessary and how much is enough? As far as children are concerned, of course, priority has to be given to carrying their essentials, especially medicines for them and food items that they absolutely cannot do without. It would be a good idea to throw in sunscreen and hats if you are visiting a hot and sunny place and woolens if you are visiting a cold place. Babies have a lot of paraphernalia but it makes good packing sense to carry only what is absolutely necessary.
Once the packing is done, it’s time to begin the journey! If planned right, the journey can be more fun than the destination! Whether you are traveling with kids by plane, train, bus or car, entertainment for the children needs to be provided. Books, special toys, puzzles, music, even a favorite blanket, all need to be carried that cater to your children’s taste.
What is necessary When Traveling with Kids
Baby wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer and diapers if required are all a “must-carry”. Any food that is carried needs to be the type that will not make a mess if dropped. Water has to be on hand in sufficient quantity and that too in a non-spill bottle or glass!
If traveling with other passengers, parents should try their best to ensure that their children are not a nuisance to other passengers. Every parent can and should ingrain good behavior and a consideration for others in their children. Parents can definitely guide their children not to shout, run around and be a source of annoyance to the other passengers.
Whenever I have traveled, I have on numerous occasions been disturbed by a child howling or shouting and the parents making no effort to control him or her. I’m sure that many of you have had the same experiences as I have.
Once the traveling with kids is out of the way and you arrive at your destination, the fun should continue. Most definitely, your baby or toddler will need some time to settle down in a new environment. Parents, you need to be patient and understanding about this.
Outings and excursions, ideally, need to be planned around the baby’s or toddler’s schedule, i.e. naptimes and meal times should be taken into account. Of course, if that is not practically possible, then parents need to take into account that the child/children might get fussy or cranky at certain times.
What is Parents Responsibility?
That is when a very important issue comes in: support. You are spouses to each other and you are also co-parents to your children. You need to work as a team when it comes to handling your children. Do avoid criticising and blaming each other if the children misbehave or something goes wrong.
Do try to give each other time away from the children for a while. Husbands, take care of the children and let your wives go shopping or to the spa. Wives, handle the children and let your husbands go to play a sport or for male buddies drinking session. Your spouse will love you for this!
Parents, it’s equally important that you use your vacation, however short it is, to reconnect with each other as a couple. Spending time with your spouse in a different environment, i.e. away from home and routine, can have a rejuvenating effect on your marriage.
Do try your best to spend time with each other, without the children. Even if it is just for a short while, try to grab a cup of coffee or a drink together. Talk to each other, bring each other up to date on what is happening in your lives.
It is perfectly natural that young children might fall ill in the course of a holiday. Parents, please do not panic! Administer the relevant medicines that you are carrying to the child that is unwell. Do call up your pediatrician to ensure that you are giving the right dosage and following the correct treatment.
Parents tend to get very anxious when young children are involved. Do remember that children sometimes fall ill when they are exposed to a new environment and experience a change in the air they breathe and the food and water that they consume. It is reassuring to remember that children also recover equally fast.
A vacation can be called a success when you as parents, return from it, happy, contented, charged and with fond memories. If you return from it cranky, irritated and depressed, you need to rethink and rework your vacationing and parenting strategy with your spouse!
So parents, remember that children can be taught to enjoy vacations as much as you. Travelling to new places will serve to give a good exposure and good experiences to your children. Keeping this in mind, let’s get set to plan and enjoy the next getaway. Bon, voyage to you!
This is a Guest Post from Meghasi Bhatt,
Hello, I am Meghasi Bhatt. I started my career as a lawyer but somehow ended up as a teacher and now I have aspirations to write! My first novella Mutiny at Primrose High is available on Amazon and Flipkart and also as an e-book on Amazon Kindle.
11 Comments
Nice tips to be in mind while travelling with kids!!
Those are some useful tips to keep in mind while traveling with kids.
It is true that parents usually get more anxious. These are some great tips, will be coming back when i have a trip planned. Earmarking this one!
I used to be really worried while travelling with my daughter.Now, these tips going to help me a lot.
Giving each other time out by taking turns to tend to the kids – this is such a useful tip. Thank you Meghasi Bhatt for putting across your points so beautifully – so much to learn from you. Snehalata Jain – thank you for keeping us engrossed and engaged with your content – always. Keep blogging :).
thanks a lot for mam for reading it
a very nice and helpful post…thanks
Yes very very n yes also imp tips to follow which is nowadays very essential
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