With the warmer weather on the way, the sun shining for a little bit longer every day and switching our winter boots for something a little lighter, it’s official that summer is on the way. Summer means so many different things to so many different people; time with family, memories to be made, days spent in the garden, days at the beach, BBQs with friends and of course the annual summer holiday.
It’s something that we all look forward to each year. However, studies have shown that many parents feel anxious and stressed at the idea of travelling with their children. Simply because they can’t console, comfort or pacify them like they would do at home.
If travelling with your little ones makes you feel nervous, then don’t worry. The biggest, simplest piece of advice that any parent can take is to be prepared! Here you’ll find 5 ways you can help your little ones enjoy their journey a lot more and hopefully help you relax a little.
Keep them busy
Giving your little ones activities to complete while you’re travelling will certainly keep their mind off being stuck in a car seat. Try printing off some colouring pages before you go – for the latest printer ink cartridges prices click the link – and bring some colouring pens and pencils. Once they’re bored of colouring you can get them to draw what they can see out of the window or draw a picture of what they’d like to do when you all reach your destination.
Don’t be scared of tech
We’re often concerned about how much screen time to give our little ones, but when you’re travelling, you could perhaps relax the guidelines a little. As long as the children know that this is a treat and part of the excitement of going on holiday, then there shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Try to keep the tech until the last leg of the journey, but if you find yourself reaching for the tablet or smart device before then, don’t feel guilty!
Try an audiobook
I often envy those who can read whilst a passenger in a car or sitting on a train – it makes me feel nauseous! You might find your children are the same so why not try an audiobook to play in the car instead? Let the children choose a story or a collection of shorter stories for younger children and you might be surprised at how quiet everyone suddenly becomes!
Make a playlist
Kids that feel more involved in the journey and the planning will travel better. So, consider creating a travel playlist that’s filled with songs that they love to sing along to! You could spend some time before you travel sitting down together and making one that everyone will love.
Let them pack their own bag
Get a small backpack and let them fill it with things that they like. Of course if they try to pack a dolls house then you might need to advise them to take something else. But little toys, stickers, their favourite teddy bear and other things that give them comfort will be perfect.