Many families travel for Christmas. While traveling for Christmas can be a wonderful experience to see loved ones near or far away - the actual experience of travel can sometimes be very frustrating. Kids especially find travel stressful and challenging. Fortunately, there are ways you can make Christmas travel easier for kids.
Bring along some activities for your kids. You may be very focused on catching a connecting flight or carrying your luggage, but keeping your kids occupied should be just as important. This is not simply for your kids' sake but also for the other passengers. Remember that kids who are not happy may fuss, whimper or cry. You don't want your kids to disturb other passengers. This experience alone will make travel more difficult for your kids as they feel even more stress, being around adults who are unhappy with their behavior.
Involve your kids in parts of the travel experience. Get out a map and show them where the family is going. Talk about how many miles you are traveling. Read storybooks about planes or trains before you travel. Read storybooks about the town, city or state before you go. Let your kids help pack their suitcases and even shop for Christmas gifts for family. They will get more excited about the holiday travel and will feel like a part of this experience.
It's okay to offer a reward for good behavior. Giving your kids an incentive for behaving well on the plane or train is appropriate, as long as your expectations are not unrealistic. Most small kids will get restless during some part of your trip - no matter what you do. Siblings may argue.
You know your kids better than anyone else. Choose a reward such as a fun activity for the next day or a special treat when you land. The kids will look forward to this and it can help remind them to behave well - that they will receive something they look forward to.
Bring along some activities for your kids. You may be very focused on catching a connecting flight or carrying your luggage, but keeping your kids occupied should be just as important. This is not simply for your kids' sake but also for the other passengers. Remember that kids who are not happy may fuss, whimper or cry. You don't want your kids to disturb other passengers. This experience alone will make travel more difficult for your kids as they feel even more stress, being around adults who are unhappy with their behavior.
Involve your kids in parts of the travel experience. Get out a map and show them where the family is going. Talk about how many miles you are traveling. Read storybooks about planes or trains before you travel. Read storybooks about the town, city or state before you go. Let your kids help pack their suitcases and even shop for Christmas gifts for family. They will get more excited about the holiday travel and will feel like a part of this experience.
It's okay to offer a reward for good behavior. Giving your kids an incentive for behaving well on the plane or train is appropriate, as long as your expectations are not unrealistic. Most small kids will get restless during some part of your trip - no matter what you do. Siblings may argue.
You know your kids better than anyone else. Choose a reward such as a fun activity for the next day or a special treat when you land. The kids will look forward to this and it can help remind them to behave well - that they will receive something they look forward to.
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