Drama day 13: Travelling with kids

 

Flight and Road Trip Adventures

Traveling with young children can be both an exciting adventure and a logistical challenge. When you have a 7-year-old and a 2-year-old in tow, careful planning and a bit of creativity are essential to ensure a smooth journey. In this blog post, we’ll explore tips and strategies for two distinct types of travel: flying and road-tripping.

Journey 1: Taking to the Skies

Flying with young children might seem daunting, but with preparation, it can be a manageable and even enjoyable experience. Here’s how we tackled a 3-hour flight with our kids:

Before the Flight:

  • Choose flight times wisely: We opted for a mid-morning flight to avoid early morning crankiness and nap disruptions for our 2-year-old.
  • Pack strategically: Each child had their own small backpack. The 7-year-old’s pack included activity books, storybook and snacks. For the 2-year-old, we brought diapers, wipes, a favorite stuffed toy, and an assortment of small, quiet toys.
  • Prepare for security checks: Liquids like milk and baby food were packed separately in clear bags for quick screening.

During the Flight:

  • Entertain and engage: The 7-year-old stayed busy with looking out the window, reading and activity books. For the 2-year-old, we used stickers, crayons, and interactive books to keep them entertained.
  • Snacks are lifesavers: We brought a mix of healthy snacks, finger foods and treats to keep hunger and meltdowns at bay.
  • Plan for comfort: For the toddler, a sippy cup helped ease ear discomfort during takeoff and landing.

Lessons Learned:

  • Accept that some fussiness is inevitable, especially for the younger child. A patient and calm attitude by the parent goes a long way.
  • Engaging your 7-year-old in helping with their sibling can be a great way to foster teamwork and keep both kids occupied.

Journey 2: Hitting the Road

A road trip offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic stops, but it also requires thoughtful planning to avoid restless kids. Here’s how we approached a 6-hour road trip:

Before the Trip:

  • Plan stops in advance: We mapped out family-friendly rest stops and playgrounds every 1.5 to 2 hours to allow the kids to stretch and burn off energy.
  • Pack a car-friendly kit: The 7-year-old’s kit included drawing supplies, and travel games. The 2-year-old’s kit had board books, small toys, and snacks. A cooler with drinks and fresh fruit was within easy reach.

On the Road:

  • Divide and conquer: One adult sat in the back with the kids during the more challenging stretches to help keep the toddler entertained.
  • Music and audiobooks: Kid-friendly playlists and audiobooks kept everyone engaged and created a fun, shared experience.
  • Timing is everything: We scheduled the trip to align with the 2-year-old’s naptime for at least part of the journey.

Unexpected Challenges:

  • A surprise tantrum from the 2-year-old reminded us to be flexible. We pulled over for an unplanned break, which helped reset everyone’s mood.
  • Despite careful packing, we forgot the 7-year-old’s favorite game. Improvising with "I Spy" and storytelling kept things fun.

Lessons Learned:

  • Keep the car organized with essentials like wipes, a change of clothes, diapers and a trash bag within arm’s reach.
  • Be prepared for detours and delays—building extra time into your schedule can reduce stress.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with a 7-year-old and a 2-year-old requires patience, preparation, and a sense of humor. Whether you’re flying or embarking on a road trip, planning for their unique needs and being flexible can make the journey enjoyable for everyone. And remember, the memories you create together will far outweigh any temporary hiccups along the way.

Have you traveled with young children? Share your tips and stories in the comments below!

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