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Look at it From a Child's PerspectiveJul 26 '01 (Updated Aug 09 '01) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Being cooped up in a car, or sitting in Grandma's kitchen as adults talk about adult stuff, is simply not fun for kids. Know this, and fix it!
Whether you're with a baby or older children, a good plan with understood expectations, and a happy attitude, determine the success of your travels. As a mom of 8- and 12-year olds, I have travelled many times over the last several years with one or both of my children. We camp, we visit relatives, and we travel to hotels and motels for 2- or 3-day mini-vacations. We haven't taken a flight, however, nor have we stayed away more than 3-4 days at a time. So my opinion is based on my types of driving trips and few-day-stay experiences. When my oldest was a baby, we didn't go anywhere. When my second arrived, we took our first trip when she was only 5 weeks old. I guess with the second child, we felt more relaxed. Second children tend to have to fit in with the family's life as it is, whereas first children sort of control and change your life more. This works for us ... First and foremost, make a LIST of everything: Things to do before you leave (book someone to look after pets, etc.) .... things to bring (clothes, food, magazine, toys, etc.) ..... things you still have to purchase ... and things you will need, or ideas, for problem situations (getting sick, kids getting bored, etc.) Start your list a week or two before you'll be leaving. That way, anything that crosses your mind from day to day, as you think about your upcoming travels, can be jotted onto the list. (Also, save your list for your next trip! I have one saved on my computer which I update as needed, and I print off a copy before every trip.) The day of your trip, go through your list, cross everything off, and you are assured you haven't forgotten a thing. * Travelling with an Infant ... As most other opinions have said, "be prepared". On your list should not only be "baby food, formula, diapers, baby wipes, t-shirts, hat, sunscreen, etc." ... but also things like a "wet cloth, clean water, towel, extra blanket, plastic bag, spoon". Go through the trip in your mind, imagining anything - such as getting sick, throwing up, etc., and how you will deal with it. Jot down what you will need on your list. You may not need it, but better to have it than not. Plan rest stops when driving.... Baby needs to get out of his or her car seat and have a good stretch. If it's warm, his or her back and bottom may be hot and sweaty from sitting in that seat. A change of scene for 10-15 minutes is a great and important refresher for everyone. Also, sit for a portion of the trip in the back with baby, showing him or her pictures in a book, talking, etc. (Careful not to overstimulate though!) I always liked to bring a couple of "new' things for baby to look at or investigate on our journey, such as a new book or a new toy. If you'll be staying in a hotel/motel, be sure to pre-book a crib or similar for baby to sleep in, so that it is in the room when you get there. One time I did not do this, and it took forever to get one brought in. Some places, too, may not have anything appropriate, so you will need to bring something of your own. Check ahead! Wherever you are staying, baby may not find it easy to get to sleep at night. Too many relatives constantly in his or her face, the different scene, change in eating habits .. all contribute. (Sometimes, though, baby seems to go to bed easier, and have a longer, deeper sleep (escaping from too much stimulation or recovering from it, I figure.) What I have done to assure an easier bedtime is to simply make sure baby doesn't sleep too much in the car on the way, or during the late afternoons in general. Rest stops or gentle wakings have worked for me. And fresh air always works wonders. * Travelling with Children ... My best advice here is to make sure there's stuff to do (a couple of "new" things especially) and a few surprise snacks along the way. Have the kids make their own lists of such things as books (watch out for tummy queasiness with books!), pen, paper, crayons, Walkman, Gameboy, other games, etc. Making their own lists assures them of having some favourite things to do, and they also get to help and have a little control over the "planning" of their trip. Rest stops on the trip, too, are even more important with older children. A chance to stretch, use the bathroom and get some air will perk them up and, if they've been bickering, change their focus a little. Being cooped up in a car for hours, no matter how many things you have to do, will almost always result in restlessness and eventually a poor attitude. Take 5 and get some air! Don't overstimulate ... Bring things to do, but don't feel that they need to be "doing" every moment of the trip. Let them think for themselves and decide if they want to play with something, and what they want to play with. If you try to control and structure every minute, they will feel too overwhelmed and controlled, and bad moods will happen. Conversation is important too. Ask them about their day before, about their friends, school, whatever. It gets their minds off the long trip and onto something that interests them. Also, car type games do the same thing. Look for license plates, play "make up a song" with each person contributing the next word, tell jokes! 10-15 minutes of doing that is a nice "head" break. If someone is sick, it's not the end of the world. Stay calm, open the windows if in the car and give them a plastic bag and a towel for their lap (you know, the ones you had on your list for this purpose). Let them know it's ok if they throw up (sometimes they feel badly about it, or are scared). Find a place to pull over if in the car, and have a few minutes in the fresh air. Wherever you are staying, make sure the kids have kid-things to do. Whether you're camping, staying at a hotel, or visiting Grandma, kids will get restless and bored if they don't have things to do. Suggest outdoor things when camping (my kids once spent over an hour making mud & grass bird nests with little rocks in them for eggs!), and bring along appropriate toys (a couple of new things too). Don't control their every move. They should be able to think for themselves and use their imaginations. But they might need some ideas. Have some ready! * Overall ... plan well (list) .... if the natives are getting restless, make a 10 minute rest stop if in the car or try to change their focus for the time being. If at a relative's, a friend's, in a hotel or camping, etc., make suggestions that they may not have thought of. Something silly (such as mud and grass bird nests) can be one of the most exciting and memorable parts of their trip! AND, be sure to take it easy and keep calm (don't get stressed). Your attitude will rub off on anyone you're with! Oh, and always remember to use the bathroom before you head out!  |
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