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Today we are going to talk about traveling with a toddler. We are going to get a bit specific while also keeping it a bit vague.
The tips and thoughts are going to work for multiple forms of travel, such as road trips and plane rides.
Let’s jump into it!
Before You Travel
The first step is to get them prepared for what is going to happen.
I don’t typically tell my toddler things too far in advance. You don’t want the question of “when are we leaving?” a thousand times.
A good time to start talking about the trip is while you are packing.
It is up to you how much you tell them, but it is a good idea to at least go over the day or days of travel.
Explain the process to the best of your ability to match what they can understand.
Say things like, we wait in a row of people and walk through these little tunnels to explain airport security.
Show them a YouTube video of what the process looks like.
You know your child best and you know what they will struggle with most.
Now I also want to say you know your child. Do they listen to you and respect you at home?
If you have a complete terror of a child, you need to get that in check. Traveling is going to bring out the struggles and potentially the worst in your toddler. Your toddler needs to listen to you and respect you.
Gently Yet Firmly Parent Your Child to Establish Boundaries and Trust
Packing
When it comes to packing you need to be prepared for anything. We are not talking about your clothing or bags for the actual trip and destination.
We are talking about what to pack for the travel time.
This is your carry-on for the plane or bag that is handy during the car ride.
Let your toddler pick a few snacks and items to take with them. Maybe you let them pack a little bag of their own.
This is great; however, you need to have backup secret items.
You need to have more food than what they know about, and you need to ration it!
At the end of your flight, you could be stuck on the plane for 2 hours because there are no gates available to depart the plane.
On the last hour of your road trip, you could get a flat tire.
You need to conserve food for these types of emergencies. The same goes for water, diapers, and extra outfits. Do not burn through everything during the first half of the trip.
And if you feel that you are depleting your supply restock!
Let your toddler help pack activities, but also do a final run-through and add items that are great for travel.
Here are a few great items for travel!
Create Familiar Faces Cards and See the Many Ways Your Child Benefits
Along the Way
Travel days are difficult for grown adults. Think about it from your toddler’s perspective. They could be having quite a bad time.
They are off their typical schedule and routine.
Along the way explain what is going on. Don’t just drag them through the airport.
Take little moments to check-in with your toddler.
If you have time to wait in the airport, one parent should sit with the bags and the other should walk around with the toddler. Keep them busy and stretch out their legs as much as possible!
6 Tips for How to Have a Great Flight with a Toddler
Make sure at any opportunities you are doing diaper changes or potty breaks. Make sure you are feeding them as close to their schedule as possible.
You may be going through security at noon. Your toddler is hungry. Give them a snack until you make it through.
Do not start any trip by immediately giving your toddler all the toys or putting a screen in front of them. Start by first talking about things around you.
On a car ride, you can sing songs and practice ABC’s.
On a plane, you can watch passengers board, or look out the window and see the staff loading luggage.
Talk to your toddler and interact with them.
As time goes on you start burning through toys and when you hit a rough patch, or you are exhausted you get out the screen.
I also want to encourage you to be creative. Play games with your hands and fingers.
Teach them a new silly skill like fist bumps.
If your child has some letter recognition skills, get out whatever manual or paper you can find. If their name is Tommy, ask them to look for all the T’s.
I am very big into games that do not require toys.
You can also use what is around you. Maybe you come up with a game involving an empty cup from the flight attendant.
Delays, Problems, and Travel Issues
Like I said in the packing section, you need to be prepared for emergencies, delays, and other various problems.
This doesn’t mean you need to go crazy and pack the whole house.
What it does mean though is maybe add one more diaper, outfit, or snack. Hold these items back for an emergency situation.
Like I said before, do not burn through all your snacks and toys.
If something does come up try to explain it.
Maybe there is a car accident or construction up ahead.
Maybe the runway isn’t available for take-off.
Get out a pen and paper and visually explain what is happening.
Even a perfect trip is rough. The reality is your trip is likely not going to run perfectly smooth from start to finish.
Always have backup items, snacks, or ideas.
Creative Ideas for Keeping Your Toddler Engaged and Happy on a Long Car Ride
Conclusion
I hope your trip goes as well as possible.
I hope you can keep your toddler happy and well-adjusted along the trip.
Remember to not burn through your food or entertainment items. Slowly go through them and hold some back for emergencies.
Incorporate your toddler in the process of packing and understanding the day as much as possible.
Good Luck Traveling!
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