Is Travel with your Children a Monumental Family Disaster?

- Decks of cards, favorite toys, children's booksPack a few nutritious snacks. Snacks may include
- Coloring books, crayons, mechanical pencils, paperfresh fruit, granola bars, individual-size cereal boxes,
- Crossword puzzle books, erasable pens, highlighterscheese and crackers, raisins, unsalted peanuts - or
- Windbreakers, slickers, umbrellassnack-size containers of applesauce, puddings, and
- Sunglasses, hats, sunscreenfruit cocktail.
- Plastic bags from grocery store checkout (for* Boredom *
storage and cleanup)Boredom is always going to be a problem. Even a
* Diaper Disposal *half-hour trip seems like a long time to a young child.
There are scented disposal bags available - or youThe easiest and most accessible boredom solution is
might want to pack some small zip-lock bags. PlasticYOU. Use the time to interact with your kids. Ask them
grocery bags or newspaper bags can also be used.questions. Get them to tell you stories if they are old
The solid matter should be disposed of down the toilet.enough. You can keep young children entertained by
Next, roll the diaper up with the soiled area facingtelling them stories - complete with sound effects of
inwards so that you have a compact bundle with theanimal noises, whistles, and whatever else you can
plastic on the outside. Place the diaper in the zip-lockinvent.
bag, seal most of the way, then press out as much airPlay guessing games like 'I Spy' with older kids, or get
as possible while you complete the seal. Discard in athem involved in some children's cards games.
bathroom garbage container or outside garbage bin.Although games like 'Go Fish' can be played with a
If you are outdoors and there are no outhouse orregular deck of cards, there are many games with
bathroom facilities nearby, you should carry the entirespecial, brightly-colored decks made just for children.
diaper contents with you, disposing of appropriatelyDo an internet search for 'card games for kids' and
when you find a garbage bin or bathroom. DO NOTyou'll find plenty of resources.
leave diapers or diaper contents behind. Besides* Inactivity *
polluting the environment, some animals are attractedSitting still for long periods of time is not a natural
to human waste. Protect the environment even moreactivity for children. If you're on a plane, train, or bus,
by making sure that you purchase biodegradableget up and take a walk down the aisle once every
diapers (or switch to cloth).hour. When travelling by car, find an appropriate pullout
If you must carry soiled diapers along with you for anyand play frisbee or go for a short walk.
length of time, you might want to consider packing a* Relax - Lighten Up - Unwind *
few deodorant disks or a baking-soda based scentedTreat every family trip as an opportunity to connect
deodorizer.with your children. Relax, enjoy their unique
* Snacks *personalities, and enjoy yourself!
If your children are finicky eaters, chances are you willWant to find out about wisdom teeth pain and wisdom
encounter problems with airline and restaurant meals.tooth pain? Get tips from the Aching Teeth website.