Traveling with kids. Three words that strike fear into the hearts and minds of parents everywhere.
Just the mere mention of it conjures up images of resentful passengers glaring, embarrassing public meltdowns and vein-popping stress headaches. This is not an experience that can be managed by Zen master techniques or even the hostage negotiation tactics you garnered from watching Kevin Spacey in The Negotiator.
The experience can be likened to carrying Jello in one hand while simultaneously toting the entire contains of your house and two angry cats in 14 (reusable eco-friendly) shopping bags in the other.
The problem: busy kids plus a stationary seating position equals trouble.
(Ask my husband who suffered a five hour crotch stomping at the busy feet of our then 18-month-old daughter on a flight from Calgary to Ottawa to visit the in-laws.)
How do you persuade a bored any-year-old to make it to the next rest stop?
Take a cue from Captain Jean-Luc versus the Borg.
What? Not a Star Trek fan and you need a little more guidance than that? Well, okay. The key to keeping kids occupied (and defeating the Borg) is to continually change your tactics.
The favorite finger food has a travel activity shelf life of about 7 minutes. Our “Can't fall to sleep without him” beloved teddy bear will amuse for about 3 minutes. If you want to survive the journey of planes, trains and automobiles, you need a game plan!
Yummy Snacks – It's amazing what a little finger food can do to hush a fussing baby or quiet a chatty 3-year-old. Pack a variety of favorites, including the ones that are fun to eat. Start with the healthy choices and save the favorite yummies for emergencies.
Stories and Books – Picture books, maze books, coloring books, hidden picture books. A word of caution: even small books are heavy by the dozen – don't pack too many.
Favourite Toys – Don't leave home without Bunny Bear or Polka-Dot Puppy or whoever or whatever your child can't live without (provided it/he/she is packable).
New Novelties – Sneak off to the store and pick out the perfect magic fairy for your little princess or a secret treasure game for your curious pirates. The trick is secretly stashing it until you need it.
Parent Games – Go back to your own childhood or read up on imaginative play games. I Spy, I Imagine and Thumb War can be played everywhere with almost any age.
Puzzles and Crafts – Stickers, magnetic storyboards, puzzles and of course, good old fashioned crayons and a blank piece of paper. Stress alert: avoid anything that has too many small pieces.
Last Resort – Save the DVD player, video games and electronic entertainment for when all is lost. That's when you pull out whatever holds their attention for that last mile, or the final descent to your destination.
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