There are no two ways around it–life changes when you become a mom. That being said, this change can and should be an improvement! Just because you’re a mom doesn’t mean you have to stop doing the things that you love to do.
Traveling with kids can be a challenge. It’s certainly more complicated than traveling solo or simply with your partner. But despite this, traveling with kids is not impossible and–when done right–sharing experiences and building memories with your children is more rewarding than solo travel could ever be.
To help begin planning your trip, check out our list of fifteen tips for moms traveling with kids:
jameystegmaier.com
Take advantage of travel time to sleep or nap.
If your kids are young enough to still have a nap time each day, try to book your flights or long, uninterrupted transportation sessions around them so the kids sleep right through the trip. If this doesn’t work out, don’t be afraid to travel by night–the kids (and perhaps you) will most likely sleep soundly throughout the journey.
sheknows.com
Feed your infant during take-off and landing.
If you’re traveling with an infant child, make sure to breast- or bottle-feed during take-off and landing whenever you fly. The baby’s sucking motions will effectively combat the change in cabin pressure that would otherwise result in serious pain for your child, helping him or her to feel better and saving you the exasperation of comforting a crying infant for 30+ minutes!
whattoexpect.com
Pack smart.
There are a few items that you’ll want immediately handy as you travel that won’t necessarily be in your purse or handbag–chief among them, diapers. The last thing you want to do on a plane is have to tear apart your luggage searching for the diapers that foolishly ended up at the bottom of your suitcase. Avoid this situation by making sure those important items–diapers included–are easily accessible in your carry-on luggage.
cafemomstatic.com
Avoid too many sweets.
It may be tempting to use candy and other sweets to keep the kids quiet and complacent while traveling. That being said, this short-term fix can often have the opposite effect in the slightly-longer term–and the last thing you want is the come-down from a sugar high taking place in a gallery, museum, or other quiet place!
top-travel-tips.com
Don’t let the kids pack for themselves.
If you have an infant child this speaks for itself, but even if your child is “old enough” to pack for him or herself it’s probably not the best idea. If you do allow your child to pack his or her own suitcase, make sure you double-check the job–and don’t be surprised if 3/4 of the space is devoted to toys or stuffed animal friends.
anh-usa.org
Don’t forget the medicine.
It’s perhaps the most obvious thing, but you’d be surprised how many crisis situations take place because parents forget their children’s medicines. If there’s one thing that you double- and triple-check before leaving your front door, this should be it–your child’s life may depend on it.
pierrebelvedere.com
Distractions can help.
Whatever your child’s favorite toy is, if you can pack it, don’t leave it at home. No matter how well-behaved your kid might be, on a long trip you’re going to have moments when he or she simply needs something to do. Though it’s incredibly simple, bringing a favorite toy or game can mean the difference between a tantrum and a satisfied, happy child.
camperoo.com
Involve your kids in the planning process.
If they’re old enough (and especially if they’re pushing into the ever-complicated years of adolescence), involving your children in the planning process can be a life-safer for your trip. If your kids help in planning, they’ll be interested in and excited by what you’re doing–and this can be the difference between a pleasant and a miserable trip.
infobarrel.com
Have your kids “document” the trip.
By taking photos, keeping a journal, or in some other creative way, try to ensure that your kids document the trip. This serves at least three important functions: they’ll have something to keep them busy, they’ll be learning or practicing a skill, and they’ll be building memories of the journey for the rest of their lives.
modernmom.com
Make sure your kids know how to find you.
God forbid you get separated from your child during your trip, the most important thing is to have a plan. If your child is not old enough to have a cell phone or other means of electronic communication (and even if they do!), it’s always a good idea to establish a meeting point–if they get separated from you, they’ll head there and wait until you arrive.
goodenoughmother.com
Give your kids a trip allowance–and stick to it.
If your child is old enough to administer his or her own finances, use your trip to teach some important financial lessons. Give your child a trip allowance, and allow it to be spent as he or she pleases. Offer advice–but only if it’s asked for! If your kid runs out of money, tough luck–these are the lessons that make for sound financial decisions further down the line.
stircrazymomsofdurham.blogspot.com
Plan for your kids.
This doesn’t mean that the trip has to be all about them–but remember that your kids should be having fun too. Think about them when you book restaurants, accommodations, and of course activities–and if you expect them to make the occasional sacrifice for you, you should also be ready to do the same for them at least once during your trip.
bbc.co.uk
Make your trip a learning experience.
Whether you use your trip to teach about geography, history, or language–or simply to understand and appreciate another culture–make sure you use the opportunity to teach your kids something. Traveling is a valuable learning experience for people of any age, but kids are like sponges for information–and this is one of the best ways to expand your child’s mind.
momfinds.com
Pack an emergency bag.
All the things you need for your child–and all the things you might need but hopefully won’t–they should be here. Spanning the basics from sunblock and band-aids to the hopefully-not-necessary-but-important first aid kid essentials, this bag should have everything you need to make sure your child is safe and healthy. Bring it everywhere.
imunsinkable.com
Take responsibility for your kids.
Choosing to travel with your children comes with a few expectations–primary among them that you act as a responsible adult, and parent, for your kids. This might mean that you have to make some sacrifices–not staying out late dancing, for example–but that’s just the nature of the game. And, at the end of the day, we promise you that it will be worth it.
Credit: http://www.traveltips4life.com/vacation-ready-15-tips-for-moms-traveling-with-kids/15/
No comments:
Post a Comment