Traveling with kids soon?

Traveling with children can be an exciting adventure, yet it often comes with its fair share of worries and hesitations. There is a level of unpredictability when traveling in general, but traveling with children adds another level of unpredictability. Especially when traveling with younger children, there are thoughts of disrupting their routines, mealtimes, managing public tantrums, and the endless list of packing.

Sometimes, you ask yourself, “Is it really worth it?”

Traveling near or far can be a very worthwhile experience that enriches the entire family. It’s a privilege that allows families to explore new places, experience cultures, and create lasting memories together. It provides unique opportunities for learning and growth outside of everyday routines. So, if you have the opportunity—consider saying yes!

Here are some tips and PedsDocTalk resources to help you feel lighter while packing for your trip and hopefully make your travel experience more enjoyable.

Set low expectations and be pleasantly surprised

Don’t expect your children to sleep or act a certain way. Of course, our job as parents is to guide them and prepare what’s in our control, but you can’t control every aspect, and you can’t control somebody else’s actions or mood at every given moment!

Plan Ahead but stay flexible

While having a detailed itinerary can help keep things organized, it’s crucial to remain flexible. Children often have their own schedules, and allowing for unplanned breaks or changes can reduce stress. Build in extra time for activities and be prepared to adapt your plans as needed.

It’s okay to break the rules

If you normally limit screen time for your toddler, you can decide to use more during the car ride or flight. Although it’s helpful to maintain your schedule and routines, these are often changed with travel. Embrace a more relaxed approach. Keep in mind that travel is unpredictable, and maintaining a rigid routine can add unnecessary stress. The schedule and routines will be waiting for you once you return home.

Your mindset matters

Go into it with a “go with the flow” mindset. Going into traveling with children with dread will only mean dread. Go into it with the mindset that you will enjoy your trip as much as possible. Look at traveling with your children as a valuable experience for them to grow and learn.

Engage and entertain

Keep children entertained with a mix of activities. Pack a variety of small toys, books, and snacks to keep them occupied and engaged. Incorporate interactive activities like storytelling, singing songs, or playing simple games that require no extra materials. Regular breaks for movement and play can also help burn off energy!

Still need a little more reassurance?

Yes—it can be overwhelming, but it provides so many benefits to your children and family. It’s an opportunity for connection as a family, learning, and growth!

Listen to this PedsDocTalk podcast episode about how travel changes children’s world for the better, what they learn by travel (both locally and internationally), and the one thing not to forget when traveling with children.

Traveling by plane? Listen to this PedsDocTalk podcast episode for 5 tips, including things you should always have on board and reframing when you’re feeling anxious about traveling by plane with kids.

What about things to pack? Travel tips for in the car? Travel tips for on the plane? Travel and sleeping in a new environment? Navigating time changes? This PedsDocTalk blog post answers all your concerns!

On The Podcast

Does ‘playing’ with your kids stress you out? Are you overthinking what play should look like, or if you have enough time for play? Playing with your kids does not have to be stressful, and we’re here to take the stress out of it and normalize a few things when it comes to play. I welcome Tammy Schamuhn, a child psychologist and co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology and co-author of the new book, THE PARENTING HANDBOOK: Your Guide to Raising Resilient Children.

We discuss:

• What play can show us about a child

• Why being bored and under-scheduled is important for kids

• How and why play can look different in boys and girls

Ask Dr. Mona

An opportunity for YOU to ask Dr. Mona your parenting questions!

Dr. Mona will answer these questions in a future Sunday Morning Q&A email. Chances are if you have a parenting concern or question, another parent can relate. So let's figure this out together!