Traveling with a child is challenging but can offer all kinds of experiences that a family wouldn’t otherwise have together. However, some kids have problems when they travel, and this may give you pause when trying to decide whether or not to book that vacation. Fortunately, there are quick fixes available for most of the problems that all children when they travel.
Jet Lag
Jet lag is hard on kids, but according to AirHelp, there are things you can do to help your children avoid extreme cases of it. Try to book flights that are in the afternoon or evening. This allows your kids to sleep soon after getting off the plane. Sleep is essential, so if you can’t book an afternoon or evening flight, encourage your child to sleep on the plane so he or she won’t be tired the minute you land. Staying hydrated is also key. Make sure your kids drink plenty of water before, during, and after the flight to lessen the impact of jet lag. Don’t offer caffeinated drinks since this can make jet lag worse.
Feeling Sick
Kids might start to feel sick while traveling, and it’s best to help alleviate symptoms as soon as possible. For a child who struggles with motion sickness, One Medical suggests packing plenty of ginger chews and Dramamine. Go ahead and pack puke bags just in case. Ear pressure that bothers a child due to elevation can be helped by letting a child chew gum. You may want to let your child start chewing gum during a plane’s take off for the maximum benefit to the ears. Coughs and sinus issues are also miserable when traveling but staying hydrated can help thin out the mucus that is causing the discomfort. Use a saline spray for a child’s nose to clear out the gunk and keep tissues on hand so a child can blow their nose. It’s also wise to have cough drops at the ready so your child will be able to use those in case of a coughing fit.
Limited Technology
Finding a balance when it comes to technology usage is hard, and that is especially true when traveling. However, it is best to limit technology time and not let kids simply veg out when traveling or while on vacation. Though a child may enjoy screen time, it can also increase agitation, and that’s not what you want on a trip. It’s also nice to spend vacation focused on together time away from screens. Parents should set that example and then set reasonable expectations. According to Michael T Gibson P.A., iPods, small gaming systems, and portable DVD players can be great options for keeping children entertained when necessary. Just don’t reach for them every time a child asks. Set up expectations for technology use before you leave for vacation and follow the standards you set.
Traveling with kids can be challenging, but it can also be fun. Dealing with common issues that may affect your child on a trip is key when it comes to making the most of your vacation.
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