What’s the right way to go on a family trip?
Taking kids out on a trip is no easy task. I’m sure many of you, like me, have had the following experiences: children getting tired and throwing tantrums during the trip, crying... getting upset and acting out when confined on transportation... needing to use the restroom on the highway, and throwing a fit...
I know you’re also tired and frustrated, but when your child is upset, remind yourself not to scold them. There’s no problem that can’t be solved—we just need the right approach.
What does a happy, memorable, and harmonious family trip look like? Today, Lao Li will chat with you about just that.
Talk to your child about where to go
The first thing to do is to tell your child, “We’re going on a trip!” You can chat with them about what traveling is all about, where your destination is this time, and what fun things there are to do there.
Give a vivid description of your travel destination to spark your child’s interest and build up their excitement. Directing their attention to where you’re going will encourage cooperation during the trip due to their anticipation. It can also enhance their enthusiasm for the journey.
Set some “rules” before you go
If it’s a long trip involving airplanes or high-speed trains, your child will need to stay in a confined space for a while, which can easily get boring. To minimize issues, set some ground rules with your child before departure.
First, agree on the rules to follow during the trip, such as:
In unfamiliar places, always stay close to your parents—don’t wander off just because something catches your eye. Getting lost or abducted is a real risk, so stick with mom and dad at all times.
Don’t speak loudly in public places; be a polite and well-mannered child.
When playing with other kids, learn to share and take turns—avoid arguments or disrupting others just for fun.
For children experiencing the outside world for the first time, everything is new and exciting. It’s common for them to want to touch or grab everything. While parents should enhance safety precautions, they also need to warn children to stay away from crowded or dangerous areas like those with boiling water, and definitely avoid touching anything risky.
Second, assign age-appropriate little tasks to your child, such as:
During the entire trip, your child and you are a team, so actions should be unified. For example, preparing their own items for security checks, protecting valuables during the journey, and packing personal belongings when leaving the hotel—these details can be explained to the child in advance.
You can also teach your child some basic first aid knowledge so they know how to seek help properly if a parent or someone else is injured. Children are usually eager to take on responsibilities, and assigning tasks can boost their sense of duty and pride, as well as increase their confidence and excitement for the trip.
Airplane or High-Speed Rail? Here Are Some Tips to Keep in Mind
Airplane Edition
When booking seats for a flight with kids, it’s best to choose window or aisle seats—avoid the middle seat between two others. Moms traveling with babies may need to breastfeed or change diapers, which can be inconvenient and disturb other passengers. If you end up with a middle seat, you can ask another passenger to switch. Flight attendants usually arrange seating for families with children in advance, so don’t hesitate to make reasonable requests.
Truth be told, parents can’t always attend to their kids perfectly while traveling, but flight crews and kind fellow passengers might offer helpful assistance. However, completely neglecting to manage a disruptive child may turn them into the proverbial “bad kid” in others’ eyes, upsetting those around you and possibly leaving you isolated. So, please be considerate of the passengers around you.
Takeoff and landing are often the times when kids cry the most. About 45 minutes before these phases, give your child a drink or snack. For infants, you can nurse beforehand.
Also, during takeoff and landing, while you’re popping your ears to relieve pressure, you can get your child to do it too—it’s both effective and fun, and they’ll likely imitate you with enthusiasm!
High-Speed Rail Edition
Trains are crowded and space is limited, so parents need to be extra vigilant. For instance, prevent your child’s fingers from getting caught in the toilet door, or their hands and feet from being squeezed near the train car connections. Keep them away from areas with boiling water to avoid burns.
Keep a close watch on your child and never let them out of your sight. Don’t let them guard luggage alone for extended periods to avoid risks like abduction or accidents.
Educate your child on safety. Teach them to find a uniformed staff member if they can’t find you. Never leave with a stranger, and if someone tries to carry them away, they should shout for help.
Traveling takes time—choose the right toys
Whether on a plane or high-speed train, long journeys can test a child’s patience. It’s best to let them pick 2 or 3 favorite picture books before heading out. When they get bored, read one to them—you’ll have their full attention.
Also, prepare a beloved toy to help stabilize their mood, such as a plush toy, toy car, or little dinosaur. Avoid spherical toys, as they can easily roll away, are a hassle to retrieve, and may disturb other passengers.
Additionally, bring along the pillow your child usually sleeps with—it will help them adjust to new sleeping environments more easily.
The whole family hits the road to have fun, and no one wants a ruined mood due to oversight. Preparing in advance and communicating ahead of time will ensure a smooth, happy trip. Finally, we wish every little rascal and their parents an amazing journey ahead!