Traveling with Children

There are a number of practical ways parents can make trips with children more enjoyable for the kids and less stressful for themselves.

The better you plan and the more aware you are of safety, the happier travel will be for both you and your child. Try to keep a normal routine as much as possible. For example:

• Get the children up as close to their normal hour as possible and put them to bed at the usual time.
• ALWAYS use a car seat when you take your child in the car.
• Always maintain discipline during an outing or extended trip. Children need and want to have the structure they are used to. Do not bend all the rules just because the family is away from home.
• Don't switch over to fast food or junk food during trips or outings. If you are taking a long trip in a car, stop regularly for sit down meals.
• Find the time while traveling to give your children some exercise. Most children are used to getting some exercise each day, but they may be expected to remain seated for hours while traveling. If you have airplane layovers, take long walks in the airport. When you are traveling by car, stop regularly for walks, foot races, or a swim if possible.
• Don't let your child go to a restroom alone until he or she is about 6 years old. Only allow a child go alone when you are familiar with the place, know it is clean, and can see the door clearly.
• Take along little packages of soft toys and nutritious snacks for children. Airlines don't always cater to the tastes of children, so snacks can come in handy.