FOR RELEASE: DECEMBER 2006
TITLE: Holiday Travel with Children
(STILLWATER) – The holiday season is now upon us, and many
will be traveling to see family and friends. Before you hit the road or take to the sky, it is important
to plan ahead so the trip will be less stressful for your family.
“Holidays
represent a time for seeing family and friends, and for many this also means
traveling a long distance,” said Debbie Richardson, Oklahoma State University
Cooperative Extension Service parenting assistant specialist. “Traveling can be a stressful event if
children are involved.”
To
help cut down on stress, proper planning can determine the difference between a
joy to remember and a bad traveling experience.
Richardson
suggests these ideas when traveling by vehicle to assist in making the venture
less hectic:
-
Pack the car the night
before. Early in the morning,
carry your children from their beds to the car. They usually will snooze through the first gas-station stop
and allow you to get some serious mileage before breakfast.
-
Have each child pack one
bag and allow them to put what they want in it, but they must be responsible
for carrying and keeping track of the contents.
-
Make flexible seating
assignments to keep peace in the car.
Separate sides with a suitcase, box or bag in between the children. Be sure to stop often to stretch, run
around and play games.
-
For children who are
still in car seats, put a diaper bag or duffel bag full of toys and books and
place it next to the seat where they can reach it easily.
-
Keep the music
eclectic. It is best to keep the
music neutral and compromise to find music everyone enjoys listening to.
-
Give each child his or
her own map so they can see the path they are taking and can highlight the
route.
If
getting to your holiday destination requires flying, keep these things in mind:
-
Pack food and toys. Try to pack favorite toys and snacks
your children enjoy, to make up for the lack of options.
-
Put identification on
your children. Sometimes in a crowded
and chaotic airport, it is possible to lose sight of a child. Write your name or stash a business
card inside each child’s travel pack or jacket. Inform your child to ask a police officer or uniformed airline
employee and show the card, just in case of separation.
When
traveling with family, it is important to be ready and willing to amuse
children for a period of time, Richardson said. Bringing items to play with will assist in occupying them
and aid in distractions.
Richardson
said travel packs can be filled with many items that your child enjoys playing with
and are small and easy to pack.
Some suggestions are:
-
Crayons and/or colored
pencils. A re-sealable plastic
freezer bag makes an excellent carrying case. Be sure to bring white paper and coloring books.
-
Stuffed animals are a
necessity, but don’t pack your child’s favorite. Suggest toys that may not be as special, just in case it is
left behind.
-
Books on tape or
CD. Have head phones for children
so they can follow along with their favorite book.
“Holidays
should be enjoyed and taking away the added stresses, will allow your family to
have a pleasant holiday traveling season,” said Richardson.
Prepared by: Debbie
Richardson
Parenting Assistant Specialist
233 HES
Stillwater, OK
74078
405-744-6231
Katie L. Reim
Communication Specialist
OSU AG Communication Services
Stillwater, OK 74078
(405) 744-6792