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Keeping Kids Happy While On the Go

Keeping young children happy while on the go can be a challenge. We have all seen kids traveling by plane, train, or automobile who are unhappy and uncomfortable. But we have also observed families where the opposite is true: the children seem calm and content, often to the amazement and delight of their fellow travelers.

By Meagan R. Dubreuil

Keeping young children happy while on the go can be a challenge. We have all seen kids traveling by plane, train, or automobile who are unhappy and uncomfortable, resulting in parents feeling unhappy too. But we have also observed families where the opposite is true: the children seem perfectly calm and content, often to the amazement and delight of their fellow travelers. Why do some children appear to travel so well, while others clearly do not? Do the parents of the children who are "happy travelers" know something that their frustrated counterparts do not? You bet they do! Below, some real-life mothers share their best tips for keeping harmony while on the go:

Car and Driver
The secret is to stay one step ahead of your little one in the areas of entertainment and activities, food and sleep. Books often work for keeping them busy, especially Richard Scary books, because there are so many great pictures. We take lots of matchbox cars on driving trips, for our son to compare with real cars that we see passing by.
--Nancy Calkins, mother of one, from Phoenix, Arizona

Family Sing-along
I let the children rule the music choices in the car. If they're listening to songs they like, they're not as antsy about sitting still so long. The "Broadway Kids" CD seems to be their favorite, as are all Disney songs. John Denver's songs are great for lulling them into napping mode.
--Mary Bossong, mother of two, from Raleigh, North Carolina

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