Travelling with family, especially kids and moody teenagers, can be tough. Not only do you need to pack half of the house to make sure you have everything you need, you might even need to deal with emotional meltdowns.
For youngsters, these meltdowns can happen for the most random reasons imaginable. Maybe they don’t like the ice cream you bought them, or maybe they’re just overtired and confused from being out of their routine.
Teenagers can become moody for a myriad of reasons also, but they tend to be less random than young kids.
If you’re looking to find ways to prevent family meltdowns of all kinds as you travel, read on for some advice:
Release Your Expectations
First of all, do your best to release your expectations for the trip. Making plans is great, but if you cling too tightly to the idea of a perfect, harmonious trip, you’ll be disappointed at the slightest inconvenience. Sometimes there will be a meltdown no matter what you do. Clinging on to the idea that the trip will be ‘perfect’ could leave you feeling even worse if/when something happens. Just go with the flow.
Consider Travel Times and Dates Carefully
Kids are more likely to have a meltdown if they can't stick to their usual routine. Dragging them out of bed at an unusual hour will make the rest of the day hard, and could even impact the first few days of the trip. You could even try to plan it so your kids can sleep on the plane at their usual ‘bedtime’.
Take Your Own Food On The Plane
Plane food is overpriced and not always great. Taking your own food can mean giving kids snacks that they love. You may need to buy food at one of the airport stores before you board, but it could stop meltdowns on the plane.
Compromise On The Trip
When you’re on the trip, see if you can compromise. Doing things for kids of different ages can be tough, but it’s important if you want everyone to get something out of the trip.
Perhaps you want to take them on the horseshoe bend tour - young kids are unlikely to truly appreciate this, so if they complain, promise to take them somewhere they find fun afterwards.
Remember that some places will offer childminding services, too, and this could be helpful if you’re going somewhere not suitable for kids.
Bring Kids Tablets and A Few Toys
Tablets can help kids on the plane, bus, and any other place you plan to travel. Make sure you have some films and episodes downloaded beforehand, as well as headphones. A few toys can also help - and it might be a good idea to take a surprise toy, as this can be a huge help in the middle of a serious meltdown.
Give Yourself Extra Time
Rushing from place to place is no fun for anyone, especially kids. Give extra time and plan toilet trips, too. You want to make the most of your trip, but you should ensure you give yourself time to take in all of the sights!
