Travel with "Difficult" Kids |
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The
"Difficult Kid" Label
First: apologies to any and all kids, for sticking a label
onto some of you. But the fact is, some kids are more restless
and revved-up than others; and find it harder to cope with
change; and are often extra-sensitive to noise, to smells, to
heat, to the tone of Mom's voice, to the very feel of their socks...
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Call it, in a word, a greater intensity of feeling. And it's often not easy to take these kids on trips. |
Here's some pointers that are good practice with any child:
Make
your schedule very clear.
Describe the different stages of the trip: how many plane rides,
and so on. Maybe even rehearse some parts. Use pictures or
drawings with young kids.
Emphasize
that plans can change.
When unexpected things happen, we all have to adjust.
Beware of these three Danger Zones:
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Suffer
with Dignity
Of course you never expected to crouch in a busy airport
while your son has a tantrum on the floor. But you'll live
through it. Forget the staring bystanders, focus on your
child— who feels worse than you. Try distraction; try
verbalizing what he feels... And afterwards, unburden yourself by
telling a friend the whole story. Years later this might be a family legend!
Remember when....?
And on the subject of tantrums...
Read tips at How to Avoid Tantrums on the Trip.
Yes, travel IS harder with kids of a certain temperament; but don't sacrifice family holidays because you're afraid of your child's behavior. Help her cope; and she may surprise you by how well she does.