Motherboard: Traveling with Kids     

Buying Time

Have no expectations; that also means less disappointment. If you expect no sleeping to happen, then whatever sleep occurs feels like a bonus! Activities and toys that take focus and concentration usually keep kids busy for longer. Cheerio/fruit loop necklace beading is a great one. Let the kids color on the airplane sick bags and use them for a puppet show. Bring foods that kids don’t usually get at home. Chips will keep a child’s mouth busy for longer than a chocolate bar or cookie.

S.L.
Jerusalem

Map Out the Trip

I sometimes observe others doling out an endless amount of nosh and crafts to kids while waiting in line, and I see that kids are never really satisfied with these “distractions” to help them be more patient. What they really need to know is that this trip has a beginning, a middle and an end, and we can help them conceptualize this on their level. It could start with “yogurt at home,” “fruit or snack at the gate,” or “a craft when we get past the clouds.” What gets us through our own impatience is knowing what to expect and when.

B.P.
UK

Just Five More

Take things five minutes at a time. Don’t think too far ahead and worry about what you’ll do if you use up this project or that snack, or about how you’ll make it through several hours of this. There will be ups and downs and that’s okay. Just stay in the here and now, and you’ll get through it, five minutes at a time.

Anonymous

Stretch, Dance, Laugh

When on a road trip, keep your perspective on having fun and spending quality time together. Try Mad Libs or have dance parties in your seats. Take lots of movement breaks — running around the gas station parking lot is a great activity!