A good friend of mine has finally decided it is time to travel with her kids, ages 3 and 1. Knowing I had an embarrassing amount of travel experience with my daughter and plenty of information to share, she called in a panic. First of all, she wasn't a traveler to begin with and if you haven't traveled yourself, it's going to be that much harder at first but everyone goes through it. Whether it was our first trip to Babies R' Us when she was 2 weeks old or her first flight at 9 months, the first times were always the most difficult because it was a new experience for us both. I always believe the best thing to do is travel with your kids during their regular nap times (not what their nap time schedule for Maui... plan for your time zone).
If your kids are still really little, you can also make things a little easier on yourself by planning ahead. For the hotel, you're going to need pipe cleaners to tie up cords and duct tape for screaming children... Just kidding! The tape can actually be used to tape towels over sharp corners. The one year old will probably occupy himself in front the mirror for hours (it's their thing). At three, kids are into actual play and creative activities so make sure you pack travel friendly everything... Polly dolls instead of Barbies, Doodle Pro instead of loose paper and crayons, etc.... Keep in mind you're going out into the real world, where normal people do not wish to hear Elmo sing so please leave that at home.
Restaurants and airplanes are extremely different situations in which you will likely get the exact same reaction out of your child in each situation primarily because they may be a little overstimulated due to the new experience. Talk softly to them, never scold them over it.... However, it is your job to take a screaming child out of a restaurant and it is perfectly okay to take the food to go. Everyone will be very grateful that you did. On the other hand, When you're on an airplane post 9/11 and your child starts screaming at the top of their lungs "We're all going to die", expect a very long and exceptionally quiet flight ahead. On a plane, there's very little you can do if your child starts crying and sometimes offering more toys and more stimuli will only exacerbate the situation. Bring some snacks, a familar book, a replica of their blankie or a replica of a favorite stuffed animal are the best if you do need to offer them something. Also, the rental car companies all offer car seats; however, they're completely nasty. I always either brought mine along or bought a new one and left it behind for the next person. Kids of all ages love gadgets and it will occupy them intermittently, whether it's a cell phone or a DS.
The airports, restaurants, hotels, etc. will give you ample amounts of time to realize you have ample amounts of time. The airport is the worst because you're new and aren't sure what a long layover is. If your layover is over an hour, find your gate so you know where it is when you get lost and then go for a fun filled walk. Airports lack the ambience that children prefer, so you have to make things up. When you get to a long conveyor belt, remind them that they have to stay together so you'll all be rung up together at the end. Then, go look for the next one. Seriously.... did you ever think you would be doing this?
You're going to have fun... The main thing to remember is to stay in tune with your kids. The first times are the hardest, but after a couple days they'll be regular tourists. Have a lovely vacation!
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