How to Keep Your Children Busy Whilst Travelling
Heading away on a family holiday is something so many of us look forward to every single year. Making memories, having fun, enjoy the sun and just getting away from it all: heaven! However, many parents consider the long journey to the holiday destination the final hurdle that they need to pass before they can really relax and enjoy themselves.
Let’s be honest. Travelling with little ones isn’t easy. Mainly because they’re bored and get frustrated, as adults we feel it too only we can control our emotions a little better. Many parents dread travelling with their little ones simply because they cannot pacify, entertain and comfort them like they would at home, rendering them helpless. It’s not a good feeling. But don’t worry, here I’ve put together 5 ways of keeping your children busy and content while you’re travelling.
Activity packs
Keeping them busy and occupied will not only pass the time but they’ll stop being bored! You can buy activity packs online, but I find it cheaper and easier to put one together myself. Start by printing off activity and colouring sheets from the internet – check out Printer Inks for the latest ink cartridge prices – and don’t forget to include some pens and colouring pencils. I also add packs of stickers, mini puzzles and even some little toys for them to unwrap and play with along the way. It’s a fun and exciting way to start the journey.
Pack plenty of snacks
Snacks are a must for any journey! I find that if I let the kids join in and help me create them a packed lunch for the trip, they feel much more involved and it’s another element of the trip to get excited about. Let them choose a yoghurt, a piece of fruit and some savoury items but then purchase something a little different to what you’d normally have at home – like candies or jelly sweets – and let them see that this is a special treat. Make sure they have a bottle of water each too and I usually keep a few extra savoury items with me just in case there are more tummy rumbles along the way.
Create a playlist
Instead of hearing the same old songs, why not let the kids create a playlist? Fill it with songs that everyone can sing along to and add songs from their favourite movies and tv shows. Make sure there is plenty of variety though – Baby Shark on repeat whilst in a traffic jam isn’t good for anyone!
Try an audiobook
Alternatively, if you don’t like the idea of a playlist, try an audiobook instead. A collection of short stories is a lovely way to pass the time. You’ll be amazed how quiet the car suddenly feels!
Let them pack a bag
When kids feel more involved they feel more in control. So, let them pack a bag with their own toys before you travel. Cuddly toys, small items and things that bring comfort. However if they try to bring their whole Lego collection then you might need to step in and help them…
