Traveling with Kids

(STLMoms) – Do you have big plans for the summer? Do those plans involve traveling with the kids? Are you already dreading it? It doesn’t have to be so miserable. Parenting coach and author of “The Real Purpose of Parenting,” Dr. Philip Dembo has some tips to make your summer trips enjoyable.

1. HAVE A PLAN

2. GET ORGANIZED AHEAD OF TIME…and don`t wait to the last minute to pack, gathering all the necessary items to make the travel enjoyable. This not only includes the functional items such as diapers, etc, but also the recreational items such as games, videos, toys, that keep the children occupied while en route.

3. HAVE A FAMILY MEETING…and talk about what is going to happen, when, and what is expected by each family member on the trip. This is an important meeting to make sure each child has a voice in the plans and has bought into and taken ownership of their role during the travel while understanding how each family member is expected to behave.

4. EVERYONE NEEDS SKIN IN THE GAME…no matter the age of the child, from toddler on, make sure everyone has a responsibility and a role while you are traveling. Kids need to feel a part of the team and not take for granted their parents “doing everything” for them.

5. HAVE FUN…and go with a positive attitude. Travel today is more cumbersome than ever before (especially air travel) so model patience, calm and a hopeful positive attitude. Children will adjust to the mood of their parents. If you have fun, they will ultimately have fun with you.