Toddlers, Transportation and Long Trips (Episode 50)
If you’re looking at long trips with toddlers, this may be the episode for you. Figuring out how to navigate public transportation or long car rides can be difficult, especially when you have multiple children with different attention spans in the car. Here are our tips to make transportation a bit easier:
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Be open – whatever mode you choose that transports your family on an adventure together. Adventure is a mindset.
Here are tips from the podcast:
Ways to get there with your family:
There are many different modes of transportation: car, RV, train, bus, plane, boat, biking, hiking
Know your family’s personality styles so you are prepared for what they need to thrive.
In order to get out the door, make sure you:
- Always go to the bathroom first.
- Hair combed, clean clothes, shoes on.
- Have a spare outfit complete with shoes in the car.
Tips for driving in the car with kids:
- To make car travel easier communicate how long our trip will be. Share it in how many hours/minutes left, or how many miles.
- Plot out your stops before you go – like every hour we’ll take a break, or you’ll stop for lunch halfway through, etc.
Tips to entertain kids while traveling:
- Audio books
- People-Watching
- License plate/ABC games
- “Busy Bag” – layer the toys so they aren’t delivered all at once
- Silencing headphones for those kids who need silence to concentrate (or sleep)
Traveling with kids on public transit:
- Silent observation – prepare before to have kids people-watch and soak in what they see without saying anything – debrief AFTER
- This may be a great time to have your kids plugged in to technology – keeps their hands off of other things. Make this the exception, not the norm.
Traveling with kids on a plane:
- “Busy Bag” complete with gum, rare toys/entertainment, blanket/lovey
- Separation between parents helps – a resting row and a playing row.
- Get to know your neighbors! Break the ice before your child breaks it for you in a less than friendly way.
Your Challenge This Week:
Plan a simple adventure with your family for next week – one afternoon, day, etc to explore in your hometown.
And check out the free webinar – click the graphic below!
