Family holidays are such an important element to strengthen the bond with your family members. By spending special time on holiday with family, but without the stress of work or daily routine can be really rewarding. Children are the soul of a family and parents love traveling with their children. They get to show them different lands, societies and ways of doing things.
But as we all know, children can be a bit mischievous and difficult when tired. Although parents love traveling with their children, they can create a lot of stress. While it may be difficult to hear, it’s the parent’s responsibility to manage their children to travel well. Unfortunately, your fellow passengers or diners will have little patience for crying or misbehaving children. I’m not a clinical Psychologist, but I’ve lived a little, traveled a little and raised a family. So with that in mind, here’s some tips for traveling with children.
Provide, Protect and Teach
Parents tend to think that showering their children love and affection that they will respond with good behavior. While this may be true, but parents should understand that their children may be hungry, tired or just want what they want. This is a learning opportunity for both parents and their children. Make sure your children have full tummies and an opportunity to take a nap.
Your children learn by observing their parents. Let your child see you express love and care for the people in your life. Treat your kids with love and affection during travel even if they make mistakes. You are going to enjoy your holidays, don’t let stress ruin the time that is so special for you and your children. Be patient and hold your anger back!
Family Involvement is Vital
During travel, you should be engaging with your child so that they do not feel any kind of loneliness or isolation that may lead to stress. Be mindful of other passengers if you are on a plane or at the airport waiting for boarding. Because other travelers will feel discomfort if your child is acting out or disturbing others they will respond by making you, the responsible parent, painfully aware of their unhappiness. However, if your child is having fun, laughing and enjoying themselves, most decent other passengers will feel good too. But unfortunately, many parents ignore their children who then act out and get loud to get that much needed attention. The tip is to engage with your children as much as possible.
Respect for the Children
You should have respect for your children. They have feelings, too. Some parents shout at their children, yelling, jerking them or physically slapping and making fun of them at the slightest provocation during travel. It is heartbreaking to see those little partners melt because of the insensitive way some parent treated them. Honestly, you should never abuse them verbally or physically. That’s wrong parenting in many ways!
During your travel, show your children respect and how you treat others with dignity, nice manners and respect. This will show them how to engage in society and treat others. Children are like flowers and often should be treated with the most care and sensitive behavior.
Let them Enjoy the Travel
Enjoying, celebrating and hanging out is important for families. You are traveling somewhere with your children, they want to enjoy this time. You should allow them to enjoy and let them recognize the amazement of traveling someplace. Many families travel for the sake of enjoying special time with their children and loved ones. Allow them to enjoy the most amazing trip that will be memorable and saved as precious memory in their minds. You can suggest some travel and touring activities that will really excite them and you will stay relaxed because everyone is busty enjoying that moment in time.
Not to Provoke, But to Love!
Overbearing parents can make their children upset and annoyed. Sometimes parents act harsh simply to show them who’s the boss. This is an abuse of power, not a show of authority. That’s not acceptable parenting as the children with growing minds will absorb your bad vibes and feel crushed and overpowered by random power learn revolt and resentment. Parents seeking their highest good is to show love, guidance and affection for their children.
You cannot be the great & perfect parent nor have obedient children. No one is perfect. But love shields many mistakes. Love, respect and sympathy to your children while traveling will help you as well as them enjoy this special moment traveling whether it’s within the U.S. or to Europe, Asia or Africa. Traveling with children can be hectic but very rewarding as you show them it big world.