Spontaneous change of place can be stressful for a child. Children enjoy following a daily routine and develop different habits. Therefore, sudden changes can cause them discomfort or fear.
So no matter whether you plan a vacation, a visit to grandparents for a few days, or a hiking adventure with a need to put together a kids hiking backpack, it is essential to prepare your child for the trip. Check out this list to help your child prepare for a new experience.
1. Discuss Your Trip in Advance
Travel details can help your child reduce the anxiety level. Tell them about the type of transport you will be traveling on. Explain how the trip will go and what you are likely to see along the way. Also, describe the destination, for example, which plants or animals can be found there. If you drive to an amusement park, tell the children about the rides or characters they will see there.
The schedule is also essential. It would be great to put it together and discuss all the details.
2. Visualization
Help your kids to imagine what awaits them. You can do it using a photo of the place where you are going. You can show them some brochures or videos. You can also use travel guides if your child can read. Describe in detail the activities you have planned and discuss them with your child. A timetable with pictures is also a great idea. When it comes to an amusement park or boating, you can also find a video to show how this happens.
3. Entertainment on the road
Of course, you don't need to take all the toys with you on the road. Things that will keep the child busy for a long time are best suited. It can be puzzling, books, coloring pages if there is a suitable place for them. The main thing is that objects should not include many details, as they can get lost when moving. A tablet and headphones can also come in handy for this purpose.
4. Food & drinks
A few snacks and drinks will do the trick. Let your child help you collect your favorite foods by explaining that you might get hungry during the trip. It can also work as a different kind of motivation.
Provide special snacks if your child has to adhere to diet. This is especially crucial if it can be challenging to find these products upon arrival at your destination. It’s also important to pack some medicals, especially if your child is going to have their first traveling experience.
5. Pack the proper clothing
Check the weather forecast in advance. The child should be comfortable and warm in clothes, so it may be worth leaving your favorite princess dress at home. Discuss the outfits for the holidays with your child, explain which clothes are suitable for your trip, and pack the suitcase together if possible.
It is advisable that all clothing is made of soft fabric, which is pleasant to the touch. Pay particular attention to shoes. It is better to take only what the child has already worn before. Layering in clothes will help to avoid discomfort since, regardless of whether the child is cold or hot, you can always change something without getting into a suitcase.
Bon Voyage
Preparing your child for the trip can be pretty fun and enjoyable. The main thing is not to forget about safety and comfort. Both you and the child will be calmer if you discuss the trip's details in advance and plan your activities for different days. Of course, there can be exciting moments for children along the way if you make sure they have something to do. Do you find it struggling to travel with kids, or is it a pleasant experience for the whole family? Share your thoughts on the article in the comments box!