Traveling with Children
As a military wife for the past thirteen years, we've done our fair share of moving. Three times we've driven across the country, adding children and experience along the way. The first time was from New York to California, with one child (and myself pregnant with our second), and one dog. The next trip was from California to North Carolina, this time with two kids, one 7-week-old newborn, and two dogs (and just for fun, a trailer this time too). And our last cross country move was the reverse, back to California, with two dogs and four kids. Now we have five children total, and are anticipating one last move across our great United States. Whether you're traveling for pleasure or "work" (like a military move), here are some ideas to make the miles more enjoyable for everyone, from parents to pets.
- Plan ahead, especially if traveling with pets. Look at your route ahead of time, and factor in tourist stops, visits with family or friends, or down time that interests your family. If you are staying at hotels, ensure they are pet-friendly, know the additional fees, and reserve the night in advance.
- Mindfulness. Guys, this one is a biggie. Don't think ahead of the task at hand! If you are at a pit-stop, changing a diaper, focus on that. Pay attention in the little moments, and deal with each as they come. If one gets caught up thinking about how we JUST stopped to pee, and now we're "wasting" more time on yet another potty stop, and now we won't make this amount of miles in such and such a time... just don't. Be as open as you can with your general time frame. Engage each other in the unexpected. Take pictures.
- Food. Repeat after me: snacks, snacks, snacks. We love a variety of munchables while meandering across the interstate. Homemade beef jerky, Twizzlers, blueberries, trail mix of every imaginable concoction (mostly made by the kids), lollipops are some ideas. Hide some snacks, so the kids will be pleasantly thrilled by its sudden appearance.
- Car sickness happens. If you know one of your kids is susceptible to this delightful experience, bring children's Benadryl or something that works for your family to stop the upchuck. A pediatrician suggested this remedy to me, and it's saved the day on every twisty, sweaty, dusty mountain road we've traveled.
-Packing. Keep that overnight bag(s) accessible at the top of the stack of luggage. Changes of clothes for the trip, bathing suits, and pet needs should be easily reached, especially in the aforementioned upheaval of one's lunch.
- Surprises! Before you head out on the open road, fill a secret bag with some cheap dollar store toys, crafts, or books for your kids. Don't go overboard here, but some ideas are sticker books, felt "quiet" books, coloring books, travel games, their favorite figurines, etc. We like to play family games too, that get us all talking or singing. And when it's all too much, portable DVD players or tablets. With headphones. Set up your own phone as a mobile hot spot (and talk to your provider ahead of time for some extra GB before traveling), and enjoy some quietude while they enjoy some YouTube Kids.
- Stop often. Explore a bit. Enjoy some not-so-good for you food that you might otherwise skip. Hamburgers and milkshakes? You'll be a Highway Hero to the kids! Huge pine cones? Collect a pile and build a house for the local squirrels. Sidewalk chalk is fun, too. "Suzy was here!" at a rest stop bathroom lets the kids leave their mark across their world.
Finally, smile. Smile at passing cars, at toll booth operators, at locals, at each other. Make goofy faces, laugh at the flat tire, wave to strangers. This is a big one. Being in the unique position of going coast to coast, spread kindness.
Happy traveling!
Nikki Tait
Coutsey of Military Relocator and Nikki Tait
