Travelling with a small child in tow can be incredibly dull and stressful. Whether you’re travelling by car, by train, by boat or by plane, it’s worth taking a few steps to ensure that the kids will be kept occupied as you go. It’ll not only make the trip more bearable for them; it’ll also help to preserve your sanity, too.
Teach them the rules of travel
Most children will be familiar with the inside of the family car and what’s expected of them in that environment. But things get a little bit different when you’re travelling on unfamiliar roads. Getting the kids excited about mundane things like counting junctions and figuring out which you’re going to be taking can help to kill a few minutes, and give them a sense of progress.
Planes and trains are even more novel, and thus you’ll have an even better opportunity to deliver a time-consuming lecture. As an added bonus, this will help your children to avoid problem behaviours on public transport – like clambering on furniture, running up and down the aisles, and annoying other passengers. This doesn’t just apply to overseas holidays. A trip across the country via Grand Central Rail is a great way to see what Britain has to offer – but you’ll need to ensure that your children are in control throughout the trip.
Give them a tablet
A tablet computer allows children to entertain themselves. They can watch their favourite TV shows, or play their favourite games. It’s an expensive gift for a small child, and you’ll have to set their internet privileges carefully – but still, its power as a babysitter is not to be sniffed at.
Provide a present
A new toy can provide a worthwhile distraction for the duration of a trip, provided that it’s well chosen, and that it comes as a complete surprise. If your child has been asking for a specific toy, then now’s a great time to give it to them. Of course, you’ll want to pick something that’s likely to keep them occupied. Activity books, colouring books, and even blank exercise books might provide inspiration. Don’t try to broaden their horizons – stick with something that they’ve already shown an interest in.
Get them a Book
Reading when you’re travelling is a little bit of a mixed bag. Some of us get motion sickness when we make the attempt – which, in the case of small children, might not be ideal. Go for an audiobook instead. That way you’ll get some of the benefits but none of the risk! You might also read to them yourself – while this might disturb other passengers, it’s not quite so disturbing as a child throwing a tantrum.
