When traveling alone, it’s all about getting from A-Z safely. Once there are children in the picture there are two basic goals of travel: the first is to get to your destination safely, and the second is to not lose your mind somewhere over the Atlantic.
As an expat living in Miami, I have travelled back to UK every summer for the past 20 years. My clever husband usually visits us in the middle of the trip, so the travelling with children segment is strictly my job. I have learned a lot along the way (literally) and want to enlighten you brave folks about to travel with children ahead of time so you can plan accordingly.
On my travels every child under 12 has their own small and light backpack with age appropriate coloring book / fun workbook, crayons, a sticker book and their own snack bag. I also bring any iPads / DVD players we have. It’s all about keeping them glued to that chair. These hours of iPad brain drain do not count so don’t worry, if it keeps them content and quiet then it is a winner.
Children who look adorable will not only melt your heart and give you extra dollops of patience but also will hopefully create more positive energy around you. Yup - now is the official time to break out the "big brother, little brother" garb.
For children over two, create a bribery system ahead of time so they can be reminded why they want to behave so nicely. I have travelled with little incentive charts and stickers. Decide what is the simplest system you can stick to. Am I crazy to bring an incentive chart in my hand bag? Yes, possibly. Whatever brings me closer to sanity is welcome on my trip. I keep candy (yes you read correctly) handy for bribery for when we land at some horrific hour in UK and the children need to sleep walk for over an hour through baggage and passport nightmares.
Like any good magician you will need some props and tricks up your sleeves. You may be one of the lucky ones whose trips are uneventful but you also be subject to Murphy’s Law and have diapers leak, children spilling drinks, and plane delays. Keep extra sets of clothes handy, and have extra snacks and shiny stickers or whatever entertains your children should the need arise.
It can be tempting to bring everything on board with you "just in case." Been there, done that. It was a nightmare trying to carry everything and push the stroller and stay balanced. Consider having one bag with the items you know you will need and another "just in case" bag with a change of clothes for you and the kids, extra diapers, spare pacifiers, extra DVDs and anything else that could be a nightmare to be without.
This took me a while to get.
Let’s face it; those seated near you on the plane most likely don’t like flying and the best they had expected to do was maybe read a good book, watch a film, and most certainly snooze. All of these are 4000% more difficult with your little guys positioned right next to them. So yes, your children are adorable but all they are thinking when they see you sit next to them is "there goes my sanity for this flight."
While I don’t see the need to give out care packages to those within a Cheerio throwing radius of your children, I do believe in open communication. I normally say something along the lines of "my little guys know they have to behave on this flight, please let me know if they need a reminder." This usually diffuses the situation and quite frankly if the person gives you a sour face you have at least done the correct thing.
Consider yourself part air steward, part tour leader. It is a regular work day, so don’t even think you are going to snooze, watch a film, or eat a meal in silence. Going to the bathroom is your only luxury and chances are you will have a toddler with you at the time. I often considered asking them for a uniform as I felt it would be a helpful reminder to keep me on my toes.
If ever the adage "outer calm, inner peace" was true … You would be surprised how quickly your little four seat nest will get messy. By keeping it clean you will make less of a scene of yourself but more importantly you will feel more relaxed in a tidy zone.
Be there for others, but don’t leave yourself behind. Make sure you are as comfortable as possible yet feel put together. Take the time to choose a new treat for yourself at the duty free. It will put a smile on your face and that’s a good thing.
Travelling with the little ones isn’t pure fun, but there can be some fun moments. If all else fails remind yourself that "this too shall pass." And when you feel yourself losing patience, remember that keeping children in a small seat for long periods of time is almost as miraculous as the whole concept of flying itself.
Good luck ya’ll.
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