Travel can be incredibly stressful because there are many changes to our routines and things can feel unpredictable.   Many parents find traveling with children to be stressful, but it is also important to remember that children may experience traveling to be stressful, too.   If you haven’t already done so, you may want to check out my previous post about Stressors & Children.

Reflection: Preparing to Help Children Manage Stress While Traveling

Each travel experience is unique, so I encourage you to think through your upcoming travel plans and anticipate which elements may be most stressful for your child.    As I am writing this, I am reminded of a Daniel Tiger song that my own children often sing, “When we do something new, Lets talk about what we’ll do.”  Doing this type of reflection now can help you prepare your child for what to expect while traveling and help reduce the stress that can accompany encountering new situations.  This reflection also allows you the opportunity to consider how you can help your child manage stress while away from home.    Things to consider include:

• How will you be traveling?
• Who will you be traveling with? Who will you see?   Will your children be around people they are not familiar with?
• Where will you be staying? What will the accommodations be like?  Where will your child sleep?
• What types of activities will you do while traveling?
• Eating.  What, when and where?!?!
• What items can your child bring along? What items need to stay at home?

Tips for Helping Children Manage Stress While Traveling

• When possible, include your child in making travel plans. Your children will feel less stressed if they feel included in plans and that their interests are being considered.    Additionally, being involved in the plans helps children have some idea of what to expect while traveling.  What types of activities would your child like to do?   What types of snacks to they want to pack for the car ride?   What outfits do they want to pack?
• Ensure that your child is getting enough rest and adequate nutrition during travels. It is understandable that schedules will be different while traveling, but it is also important to remember that when we (adults and children) get tired and hungry we get more irritable and more stressed.
• When possible, allow for extra time. You and your child will feel less stressed if you aren’t rushing to get from place to place.
• Be prepared for delays or a change in plans. Travel always seems to include some unexpected change of plans.  How does your child cope with unexpected change in plans?   Anticipate changes in plans and have a plan about how you will address these with your children, especially if they struggle with changes in plans.   Consider having a “fun” activity on hand that you can pull out in case of delay.
• Be mindful of how much activity you are scheduling during your travels to avoid over stimulating your child.
• Be mindful of your own level of stress as you make travel plans. Remember our children often sense and are affected by our emotions even when we think we are managing them well.
• Incorporate a brief check in at the end of each travel day and upon return home. What went well?  What was a struggle?  What would you like to do differently the next day/vacation?
• Bring along items that help your child cope with stress while at home. A stuffed animal, a journal, music, etc.   Whatever works for your child and travels well!

What tips have helped you and your children manage stress while traveling?    Feel free to share your tips in the comments below.

Happy (and hopefully low stress) Travels to your Family!
Sarah