Tips on traveling with children.

R

Ragnarok

Diamond Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2006
Messages
2,878
Reaction score
593
Points
0
http://www.travelsense.org/tips/children.asp

Parents often complain that "other people do not understand what it is like to pack up and travel with kids!" Maybe, but, often it is the parents themselves that lack adequate information on exactly how to make their lives a lot more bearable when taking the family out for vacation or events. There are several links at the bottom of this page, the one for the C.D.C. is a must have for all folks with children who are planning traveling events, especially international travel. I saw so many frazzled parents and kids in the airports, that my heart just broke to see nerves so frayed. A bit of planning can help ease such tensions. Hope this is a timely post with summer vacations just around the corner! Wishing all Spoofee members and their families happy traveling! :) :wave:
 
Good idea Rags!!!!

Last year Kad and I flew to Ohio he was still under 2 so he didnt have a seat. On the way to Ohio - when I got to the gate I asked if there were any empty rows that I could move to - there was and after take off he was able to sit in the seat beside me and play and stand up and wave at people.

We did this on our way to and from NY to FL when he was one, and we got a 3 seater row to ourselves and he ended up laying down and sleeping.

Now on the way back from Ohio, I didnt have the pleasure. It was a booked flight. And it was one of those little planes with 2 seats on each side. And Kadin did not want to sit on my lap and was crying - loudly. I finally just held him as tight as I could and closed my eyes so I didnt have to see everyone staring at me. And he fell asleep!!!! However, we were still at the gate because there was a bad storm down in the Gulf and they were switching our flight to land elsewhere. So we sat there for like an hour and a half (Kadin still sleeping though) We finally take off, reach altitude and he wakes up. He wasnt too bad and thankfully I was sitting with a Grandma who helped me entertain him!
 
I heard a good tip once. My gang was too old by that time and I never used it but I inagine it works well.

We all know how many times kids ask "when are we going to be there??"

To cure this at the start of the trip give them X amount of money (nickles, dimes, quarters ??) and each time they ask you take one away. If they don't ask they get the money to keep and spend when you get to your destination.
 
The only problem I had flying with my kids was the pressure when we landed. I brought gum for my kids so their ears would pop but my 8 year old got the worst earache and there was a baby crying during landing and holding her ears. I felt so bad for her. :(
As far as getting bored I bought both my kids MP3 players with video and those are great for long trips. :bigok:
 
Here's my tip.

Send them in the car with preco.

With all her brood, she might not realize there are one or two extras.:teeth:
 
Here are a few tips that may help folks with children on trips:

1) If the kids have trouble with their ears (I still do myself), let them chew gum before take off and twenty minutes before landing. Put a small "pony size bottle" of water or juice in your purse or carry on, and, let them sip it before take off and landing. Sucking on a lollipop works wonders as well. Blocked eustachian tubes are very painful folks. No wonder the kids cry! You can also try some Dramaine, or a decongestant of your Pedi's choice prior to flying as well.

2) Go to places like Dollar General, Family Dollar, Walmart etc and put together a "fun bag" with new stuff for the kids to play with while on the plane! Something as simple as a new book, crayons, minature chess sets, pop up games can entertain them for hours! Age related of course. Won't break the bank at these stores!

3) Depending on the age of the child, buy some informational books on your destination, buy a disposable camera, and, let the child take their own photos starting at the airport.

4) Pack a treat bag for them and let them have a treat every so many hours. Or pack things like trail mix, raisins, peanutbutter crackers, fruit cups. Moving mouths make for less trouble and keeps the fluid off the ear drums!

5) Buy the child a cheap LCD watch. Even a three year old can be told "When your watch says 11:45 we will be landing!" Give them a piece of paper with the time on it, and, let them keep track of time. Saves them the trouble of asking "Are we there yet?!?!?"

6) If traveling with kids makes you nervous, research some "Family Oriented Travel Deals." A plane full of families with active kids is less likely to be upsetting as one crying child on a 747!

7) Let the child take their favorite blankie, or toy on the plane for security. They will settle down to nap a little easier.

I started traveling with my son when he was five years old. Wouldn't you know it, we arrived out of the country when he came down with a 104 temp due to a strep infection!!!!! ARGH!! Here we were, in the middle of a jungle no less, thank goodness I had meds packed. My sympathies and compassion remain for anyone who travels with little ones. You never know what is going to come down the pike!
 
LiveSquid said:
My tip is simple:

Don't.
Click to expand...


Oh now now.....traveling with children is a blessing in disguise!:) How else are they going to learn if they are not exposed to the big wide world Squiddy?!?! Just a little preparation time and some well placed patience works wonders for parents and children alike. And, a well indoctrinated little one to world of traveling makes for a very interesting and well adjusted adult! :wave:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top