…and the holidays are happening. Here’s how to keep the
children engaged on your trip away (and consequently, how to keep the whole
family happy).
Want to make the most of your family holiday
and enjoy the chance of all being together? Planning not pressure is key. From
travelling with tots to finding a break that will suit all the family, the holidays ought to be fun for everyone. Follow this helpful guide to make your break away, the best it can be…
Suitably planned
Whether you’re currently searching for the
best ethical place abroad for dolphin and whale watching with your children, or
you’re planning a UK family festival break, thinking about everyone’s needs in
the planning stages, will go along way to making it a happy holiday.
Travelling with children
Factor in the extra time that small children
need. When you think about their usual daily routine, you think about how
toddlers like to explore everything, eat lots of snacks, have frequent toilet
stops, and generally need time to be themselves. If you equate this to
travelling, then you will do well to plan your journey around them i.e. factor
in more time.
Safety first
Regardless of the regulations in your destination,
always use children's car seats whenever driving with your kids. Take an up to
date first aid kit and use sun hats plus a good sun protection factor.
Activities
You will need to be prepared and have
activities and things to do on the way to hand, to keep your child occupied.
You will do well to find things that capture their imagination, stimulate
creativity and hold their attention. You will also need to pack countless
snacks and drinks – plus extras in case you get delayed.
Babies
Dress your
baby appropriately for the climate and conditions of your destination. If you
are heading somewhere hot, sun protection is essential. When travelling, they
need to be comfortable; sleepsuits are perfect. If you are flying, giving them
a baby bottle of cool boiled water or a dummy (pacifier) at take off and
landing, this can help them with changes in cabin pressure.
Toddlers
Consistency is all-important to even the
curious of toddlers; so take familiar things on holiday. Favourite toys,
clothes and even food will bring them security, although a new environment will
alert their senses and be an exciting experience all the same.
3-7 years
This age group makes friends quickly
wherever they are – even language doesn’t seem to be a barrier. Bring a ball to
the beach and they will create their own fun joining in with other children.
When there is no one else around for them to play with, use the time to play
with them yourselves. You’ll be pleased you did.
8-12 years
Children this age appreciate independent
activities, but also appreciate cultural activities too, especially those that
bring their studies alive. Tie in a visit to a castle if they are learning
about historic battles. Let them take charge of the camera too.
Teenagers
Ground rules and grown up things to do will
help this age group. Encourage them to keep a journal, to write about and draw
the unusual things they see and find, to list the weird things they eat etc. Stick in maps, postcards, ticket stubs and the like. It will be a great
way of preserving the time spent away together. When encountering a different
language, encourage your teen to converse, perhaps to order the food.
Delegate
Don’t do everything yourself – share the
load. That way you can enjoy the build up to your break without feeling
overwhelmed. When planning, ask everyone for ideas and then
compare them together, giving the whole family time to decide what you all want
out of your break away. The children will feel involved from the start and that
it is also their holiday too.
Compromise
You all may have very different ideas of what
you’d like, in which case compromise before setting off. Agree to balance the
holiday and to be flexible. You all want to enjoy yourselves.
Don’t do too much
Don’t over plan. Keep some days free.
Spontaneity is so refreshing and you don’t want to be heading off on one day
trip to the next without a break at all. You will return home in need of a
holiday. After all, the idea is that you relax while you are away!
This post first appeared here