Peaceful Retreat – Keep Your Kids Happy During Vacation
The much-anticipated vacation is on the horizon. Visions of relaxation and quality time with loved ones dance in your head. You and your partner eagerly anticipate a refreshing escape, a chance to reconnect and create lasting memories with your children. However, a familiar shadow looms: the daunting task of keeping your little ones content and engaged during the journey itself. It’s a stark realization that the road to paradise may not always be paved with joy, especially when traveling with children.
Let’s face it, most children, particularly the younger ones, don’t exactly relish the prospect of being confined to the limited space of an airplane cabin or a car for extended periods. As parents, we often find ourselves meticulously preparing for this challenge. We paint a vivid picture of the fun and excitement that awaits them at the destination, hoping that the anticipation will somehow overshadow the inevitable discomfort and boredom they’re bound to experience along the way. It’s a delicate balance of managing expectations and crossing our fingers for a smooth ride.
Unfortunately, this scenario doesn’t always unfold as smoothly as we’d like, especially if your children are not particularly fond of traveling. Even the most patient and understanding parents have been known to reach their breaking point, whether it’s from endless "Are we there yet?" questions or the sheer monotony of the journey. Some may even resort to desperate measures, such as feigning sleep on a crowded flight, silently praying for the ordeal to end swiftly.
But before you resign yourself to a chaotic and stressful journey, consider a proactive approach. Instead of passively accepting your fate, take some time to strategize and devise a plan to keep your children entertained and occupied, whether you’re traveling by car or plane. It’s an investment that can significantly impact the overall experience, transforming a potentially arduous journey into a more enjoyable one. Here are some proven strategies to help you achieve this:
Tempting Treats: A Culinary Diversion
To paraphrase a well-known saying, the quickest way to a restless child’s heart is through their stomach. In other words, ensure that a generous supply of their favorite treats is readily available. While maintaining a health-conscious approach is commendable, it’s essential to strike a balance. Include nutritious snacks like fruits, vegetables, and granola bars, but don’t shy away from indulging their cravings with their favorite goodies.
Remember, the goal is to keep them happy and content during the journey. If your child has a particular fondness for cookies, consider it a temporary indulgence and address any dietary concerns later. By providing their favorite treats, you’ll transform yourself into the "Source of All Good Things" for a few precious hours, buying you some much-needed peace and quiet.
To mitigate the effects of sugar consumption, consider incorporating healthier options and offering water bottles instead of sugary fruit drinks. This will help keep their energy levels stable and prevent unwanted sugar crashes.
Engaging Games: Classic and Contemporary
Just when you thought classic travel games had become obsolete, they reemerge as a lifesaver for long journeys. For some inexplicable reason, children find themselves irresistibly drawn to old-fashioned travel games like "I Spy," the License Plate Game, and "20 Questions." These timeless classics offer a simple yet effective way to keep them engaged and entertained for hours.
If you’re driving, consider turning the journey into a scavenger hunt. Challenge the kids to a game of "Spot the Red Car" or "Find a Specific Landmark." The possibilities are endless, and the friendly competition can help alleviate boredom.
Of course, let’s not forget the allure of modern technology. Most children are captivated by video games, so be sure to bring along handheld devices like smartphones and tablets loaded with their favorite gaming apps. These devices can provide hours of entertainment, especially during long stretches of travel.
To supplement the digital entertainment, consider packing a goodie bag filled with traditional activities like coloring books, crayons, markers, and puzzle books. These options offer a welcome break from screens and encourage creativity and problem-solving skills.
Movies on the Go: A Cinematic Escape
Travel time presents the perfect opportunity to immerse yourselves in the magic of movies. If you’re renting a vehicle, opt for one equipped with an in-car DVD player and built-in screens. Alternatively, invest in a couple of portable DVD players that can be easily transported in the car or on the plane.
For added convenience, consider streaming movies via a tablet or smartphone. With a vast library of content available at your fingertips, you can cater to everyone’s preferences and keep the entertainment flowing.
Involve the children in the planning process by having them create a list of movies and shows they’d like to watch during the trip. This will make them feel more invested in the journey and give them something to look forward to.
Once you arrive at your destination, a streaming device can be a lifesaver during quiet time, nap time, or unexpected rainstorms. With access to a wide range of movies, shows, and games, you can keep everyone entertained and prevent boredom from setting in.
Sleeping Arrangements: Prioritizing Rest
If you’re traveling with toddlers or pre-toddlers, meticulous planning for their sleeping arrangements is paramount. In some cases, it may be necessary to bring your own sleep solutions to ensure their comfort and safety.
A travel crib is an excellent option, offering a lightweight, easy-to-set-up, secure, and sanitary sleeping space. It’s particularly ideal when space is limited in a hotel room or Airbnb. Many portable cribs come with a carrying case for added convenience and ease of use.
By providing a familiar and comfortable sleeping environment, you can help your little ones adjust to the new surroundings and get the rest they need, ensuring a more peaceful and enjoyable vacation for everyone.
Self-Care: Recharging Your Batteries
As parents, it’s easy to get caught up in taking care of everyone else’s needs and neglecting our own. However, remember that you’ll be better equipped to handle stressful situations if you prioritize your own well-being.
While on vacation, make an effort to carve out some time for yourself. Whether it’s indulging in a spa treatment, going for a walk in nature, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a book, make sure to do something that helps you relax and recharge.
If you anticipate sleep deprivation due to travel anxiety, consider exploring relaxation techniques or supplements that can help alleviate your stress. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better able to handle the challenges of traveling with children and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
This vacation, don’t let the kids wear you down before you even reach your destination. Arm yourself with a comprehensive arsenal of games, snacks, movies, and more, and allow them to immerse themselves in their own world for a while. And most importantly, remember to relax and enjoy yourself. After all, it’s your vacation too.
(C) Daniel Sherwin – DadSolo.com, Legends of America, January 2020.