Family Vacation Survival Guide
Making Memories with Less Stress
1. Prepare Kids for Upcoming Events
Kids do better if they know what is coming up. One cool way to do this isto create a simple itinerary book with photos and drawings to show what will happen during the trip. This helps children anticipate events and reduces anxiety. For example, you can say, “On Monday, we’re flying to Grandma’s, and you’ll get to play with your cousins.” Include pictures of the airplane, Grandma’s house, and the cousins. Discuss upcoming activities like visiting relatives, so they know what to expect and can get excited about it.
2. Teach Expected Social Behavior
Kids also do better when they know what is expected of them! Role-play scenarios to help your child understand how to behave in different situations. For example:
- “In the hotel, we use inside voices and walk, not run. Why do you think that is?” This helps them understand the importance of being considerate of other guests.
- “When meeting Uncle Norman, if you don’t want to hug, offer a high-five instead.” This empowers them to feel comfortable with physical boundaries.
- “What if you don’t like the dinner that’s served?” Role-play polite ways to express this, such as, “No, thank you. I don’t care for any, but I’d like more potatoes, please.”
- “When you want my attention, what can you do?” Practice touching your arm and waiting, and also say what you will say to them, “Thanks, give me a minute to wrap up and I’ll be all ears.”
3. Let Your Child Pack Their Own Bag
Allow your child to pack a small backpack with their favorite items for the trip. This gives them a sense of control and keeps them occupied during travel. They can include a favorite toy, a book, and some snacks. This not only keeps them entertained but also makes them feel involved in the planning process.
During Travel
4. Arrive Early (but not TOO early)
If flying, arrive at the airport early to give your kids time to move around before the flight. Bring small toys, snacks, and activities to keep them entertained. For example, pack a small backpack with a new coloring book, crayons, a favorite stuffed animal, and some healthy snacks. But don’t get there too early or the kids (and yourself) will get impatient for the next leg of the trip to begin.
5. Stick to Routines
Routines give children a sense of control. Keep familiar routines as much as possible since everything else might be changing. Bring favorite books and maintain bedtime rituals to provide a sense of normalcy and security. If your child always listens to a particular bedtime story, make sure to pack it. Keeping this routine helps them feel safe and grounded, even in a new environment.
6. Plan One Activity Per Day
Travelling with kids is much different than when it was just you and your partner! You’ll have to dilute your itinirary to maximize your success. Avoid packing your schedule. Prioritize slowness and plan one major activity per day to prevent overstimulation and allow downtime. For example, if you visit the zoo in the morning, spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel pool or having quiet time in your room. Kids get cranky with too many transitions and too much excitement.
Problem Solving on Vacation
7. Provide Quiet Time
Ensure there’s time each day for quiet activities like reading or drawing. This helps children decompress and recharge. Your whole family will fair better when their nervous system has a chance to reset.
8. Pack Blackout Curtains and White Noise Machines
This also helps with familiarity too. If your child is used to sleeping in a dark room, the curtains can help mimic their home environment. The white noise machine can drown out hotel noises, making it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
9. Monitor Food Intake
Vacation and holidays can be filled with treats – yum! – and then sugar crashes – nay. Keep an eye on their diet amidst treats and excitement. Carry healthy snacks to prevent hunger-induced meltdowns. This ensures they have nutritious options available when they get hungry, helping to avoid the sugar highs and crashes that can lead to tantrums.
10. Stay Calm
Remember, your calm presence helps your child regulate their emotions. Trade off childcare duties with other adults to ensure you get a break too. If you start feeling overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths, and remember that your child looks to you for cues on how to react. Keeping your cool can help de-escalate potential meltdowns.
BONUS: Handle Criticism Gracefully
Parenting in public is challenging, and kids might not always be on their best behavior. If friends or family criticize your parenting, stay calm, smile, and acknowledge their concern. For example, you might say, “I hear you. That screeching IS loud!” Then, address their concern calmly: “Okay, kids, let’s get our shoes on and go outside for a fun game!” Remember, this is about managing conflicting needs, not a referendum on your parenting.
Final Thoughts
To make your family vacation even smoother, we’ve created an Ultimate Travel Packing List to ensure you don’t forget anything important. From essentials to nice-to-haves, this list has got you covered. Download it now and make packing a breeze!
Download the Ultimate Travel Packing List
Happy travels!