The juggling act between managing a career and running a household is indeed a tricky one not suited for the faint hearted, so when an opportunity of a family vacation arises you need to act fast! However, the thought of travelling with a young one is sometimes enough to run a chill down our spine. How will he sit through a long flight? What if she cries throughout the journey? What will the other passengers think of me? Whether we admit it or not these are valid thoughts that may run through any young parent’s mind.
It is common (and shocking) to hear of parents giving their children a dose of cough syrup to make them drowsy and knock them out for the duration of the journey. As a child-care provider, I cannot emphasize the risk and damage this does to your little one. These substances have been proven to be addictive for adults, so the danger of making your child consume them is devastating and unnecessary.
Here are 5 ways to ensure the only thing your child is addicted to during their long journey is fun and adventure
Activity pouches
Based on the duration of your journey it is best to segregate your activities or supplies so you don’t over stimulate your child or run out of things to do in your very first hour. A great way to do this is to prepare small sacks, zip-lock bags or folders with materials for the activity in mind. For example, if you plan a craft make sure all the supplies your child may need are present so your child can easily access them and you need not have to fumble around your bag for every item. Have enough pouches so your child can independently carry out their work without disturbing you or getting distracted.
Quiet fun time
It is a tall order to expect a child to be engaged in a creative craft or activity all through a journey. Hence some down time activities that are soothing for your child are a great way to keep them engaged. Some fine-motor tasks include lacing beads through strings or colourful plastic wires (if you are scared your child might be too young for beads cut up some fun patterned straws instead), carry child scissors and happily let your toddler cut away the in-flight magazine, use pipe-cleaners and pom pom balls as construction tools, keep popsicle sticks and mini glue sticks handy (liquid glue may not be allowed on board) and watch your child create fun constructive pieces. If you are going to visit someone, encourage your child to make this as a gift for them). If your toddler enjoys painting activities, a great way is to use small finger-paint tubes that are travel-friendly; you could carry cotton-buds to dispose of easily instead of bulky paint brushes that require washing and storage.
Create your story
Reading is a great source of entertainment and pleasure for adults, so why not pass on the gift of books to your child. For younger children, pop-up books are a great way to trigger imagination. If your child is easily bored and refuses to re-read books opt for second hand story books freely available on child friendly groups on social media platforms where mothers sell and exchange old toys, books and other resources. Use finger puppets while narrating stories to make them more interesting.
Calming toys
If your child has decided to throw a tantrum and refuses any ideas or activities you might offer their way, worry not! There are various soothing and calming materials available to relax your child. You might use a calming bottle; one can easily be made by using a clear plastic bottle, baby oil and glitter. Make sure to secure it tightly using tape. You could also add beads or food colour to make it more pleasing for your little one. Gently move it around and let your child be mesmerized with the colours and sparkle. Other ideas include koosh balls, office and desk items like colour transferring containers, stress balls and other sensory items.
Get digital
Now this does not mean to plop your child in front of the IPad for six hours to play mind numbing violent race car games. A variety of apps can be pre-installed that encourage thinking and promote cognitive skills. Find apps which might include math concepts like pattern making, find the difference, recognizing shapes, paper craft DIY or even touch drawing. A good use of screen time is to download various read-aloud story books which your child can listen to during the journey. This also saves you the hassle of carrying bulky books.
The best way to keep your child busy is to be prepared and get creative. Make up stories about the place you are going to visit, get them excited about all the adventures they are going to have. Family vacations hold a special place in our hearts and minds and are fondly remembered by us as adults too. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!”
- Sanobar Mistry is a published journalist and currently a kindergarten teacher in Dubai.
