Traveling with Preschoolers
By Caryn Talty | 450 views | 
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Long car trips with little children can bring stress levels to the brim, which is not something we need when we are taking a holiday from our hectic day-to-day home and work schedules. Kids need a holiday as much as their parents do, but that doesn’t mean abandoning their regular schedule and hitting the road like a band of hippies.
The most important thing to do is plan plenty of activities both in the car and along the way that will help pass the time. Simple car games like “I spy with my little Eye” and the “A, B, C” game are a great way to keep kids from getting bored and irritable after too many hours in the car. I like to pack little activity bags for my kids that they don’t get until the trip begins. They are usually stuffed with crayons, sticker books, coloring or drawing pads, and little toys that can stimulate big imaginations. The bags don’t have to cost a bundle. I have found that the best place for good deals is typically the dollar store. The drive should be organized around the kids regular eating, napping, and activity schedules. As much as possible, pick places to stop that have nice areas for physical activity. Bring a ball and have a spontaneous game of catch, kickball, or soccer. If you forgot one, then strike up a game of “Simon Says”.
A great way to survive a six to eight hour drive is to prepare the kids ahead of time for the upcoming trip. Tell them where they are going. Children as young as two-and-a-half will tolerate the long trip when they know where they are headed and what they have to look forward to. There are several ways to get the kids ready. First of all, take a trip to the library and get some books about where you are going. Call or visit the web site for the tourism department of the state or states you plan to vacation in and order brochures. In the weeks prior to your trip you and your preschoolers can view the materials and talk about what really excites and interests each of them. If it is feasible, offer to let your children pick out an activity they would love to participate in and work that into your trip. For example, maybe you have a child that would love to go horseback riding for the first time. The two of you could be on the look-out for television programs about horses, books about horseback riding, and people that you know that may have experiences to share.
Also, take the time to call the attractions you plan to visit before you go. You will get so much more information about those places after talking with the people who work there. For example, if you have a child with food sensitivities, you can find out ahead of time what type of menu is available and perhaps make arrangements before you go. It also helps to find out what kind of provisions are available or lacking when you have an infant or very young toddler traveling with you. Best of all, the staff may be able to tell you about special coupon deals or discounts that are available to you.
Finally, it is important to bring a little bit of home with you wherever you go. Be sure to pack your child’s favorite blanket or pillow, storybooks, and songs. It is not unusual for them to be apprehensive about sleeping in a strange place. Take their night-light with you if you plan on staying at someone’s house or perhaps a rental cabin and the kids will be in their own rooms, and be sure to keep the bed-time ritual as close to the one they have at home as possible.
These are just a few steps you can take to make your holiday a happy and memorable one for both you and your little ones. Happy travels!
Tags: Activity, Attraction, Book, Car, Children, Game, Holiday, Kids, Preschooler, Toddler, Toy, Travel, Trip
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