By Katherine Kimbley for Work-at-Home.org
Most parents who work from home have found a rhythmic balance when it comes to hours spent with children in the home setting. However, the thought of traveling with them often sends shivers down our spines and cause us to put off travel plans until the youngest ones have graduated from college. In fact, many moms opt to spend months cooped up in the house rather than brave the open road or skies with their children. However, with a bit of preparation, it does not have to be as scary as it seems.
The Precious Pre-Pack
When traveling with children, organization is key, and it’s never too early start a packing list. I recommend beginning at least one week in advance. This will give you plenty of extra time to add anything that might otherwise be forgotten in the chaotic hustle of family-packing.
Less is More
Whether it’s the airlines’ 50-pound weight limit or the desire to see out of your rear window, packing light is almost always a good idea. In order to pack sensibly and economically, I recommend excluding your children from the process entirely, especially if they are small. There are many things they can’t imagine living without until they try. One, or maybe two pairs of comfy shoes should be adequate for each family member and things like jeans, jackets, and sweaters can be worn more than once.
After you’ve done your initial packing, give yourself a bit of time – a day if you have it – and go back through your bags. Thin them out by removing everything you don’t currently wear on a regular basis. If you don’t wear those trendy skinny jeans at home, chances are you won’t sport them abroad either.
Increase Interest
Children’s attitudes are greatly improved when they know what to expect and have something to look forward to. Showing them pictures from books or the internet of things you will see helps peak their interests. When traveling by car or train, especially through different geographic regions, identifying new wildlife will keep them busy throughout the entire trip. While flying, children love to know which states, countries, and land forms they may see from their windows. Other destination-related interests may include buildings, natural landmarks, museums, historical events, people, and weather.
The Secret of the Surprise Bag
Packing your children a surprise travel bag adds special excitement to the adventure. Let them know a few days ahead of time that you are filling their bag with surprises which they can not see until the trip. Whether you choose to include new toys, snacks, games, books, drawing supplies or all of the above, your children will be excited to open a bag of surprises.
Distraction is Bliss
Ensuring that your children have enough to keep their minds and hands occupied during a long journey is essential. Drawing, coloring, reading, and writing are ideal for keeping little hands busy. Also, many board games come in travel versions, and the internet is full of traveling games such as license plate bingo.
As far as en-route entertainment goes, however, there is such a thing as too much. Avoid packing an excessive amount of en-route entertainment, as it can easily weigh you down and add unnecessary stress. Also, unless you want to spend much of the trip digging Lego pieces out of seat cushions or scanning a dark airplane floor for Polly Pocket’s cell phone, stay away from games and toys with lots of small pieces.
Movie Madness
Even if you are usually opposed to setting your children in front of the television, traveling is the perfect time to allow for special movie treats. A portable DVD player can be a real sanity saver during long distance travel because a single movie can give you the gift of approximately two precious hours of relaxation.
Wardrobe Warnings
We want our kids to look nice, and the temptation to dress our little ones in precious outfits is especially strong when the end destination involves family or friends. However, fight the urge to showcase your little ones’ stylish wardrobes and think comfort. Your child will be much happier when she is comfortable and she will be more comfortable in jeans, sweats, or even pajamas than in ruffles. Layering will ensure that each family member has the ability to remain comfortable regardless of his temperature preference. After all, when more than two people travel in a car together, climate control is always an issue and airplane cabins turn from muggy to teeth-chattering in the duration of a single trip.
Just-in-Case Clothes
As any experienced traveling mom can attest, some of the worst travel disasters can be avoided by simply bringing single a change of clothes for each child, and maybe even an extra shirt for yourself. No one wants to spend the duration of a car or plane ride covered in a spilled drink, spit-up, vomit, pee or worse. When it happens – and it will – your kids and fellow travelers will thank you for having packed a spare set of clothes and a plastic bag for the old set.
Snack it Up
For some reason, long distance travel produces the munchies – especially in tiny tummies. By pre-portioning healthy treats into snack-sized zip-top baggies, you can provide healthy alternatives to the snacks available for purchase. The best part is that you’ll save money doing it!
Stay-at-home moms do not have to be stuck-at-home moms. Whether it’s an occasional out-of-the-house business opportunity, a trip to the grandparents’, or a long vacation, a bit of careful thought and pre-planning can alleviate many of the hassles and stresses associated with family travel.
Katherine Kimbley is a writer by trade and a mother of four. As a military wife currently stationed in Germany with her family, she has traveled extensively with her children both nationally and internationally. For more of her writings visit www.katekimbley.com or Faithwriters.com.
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