This is so true, with all the mess, fuss and
yelling, every day seems like 'a long day's journey into night' but time flies
by and we realize it when our tiny tots take the route of pre teens. All time
cuddles and snuggles turn into at times hugs! So don't miss these chances of
making memories!
Travelling with kids always freak us out. But a
little planning physically as well as mentally can make it real FUN for all of
us. Here I'll share some of my hands on knowledge which I gained over last many
years after a real LOT of travelling :)
I wish you a happy reading and do share
your own tips and tactics as well :)
TRAVELLER MOM'S 101
·
Once you have finalized the place and
time for vacations start making a 'to do list’, stick it on your most
accessible place and keep adding on chores whenever and whatever comes to your
mind. I personally love sticky notes which I keep in my
every room along with a pen. So if I'm working and anything comes to my mind I
note it down and stick it on mirror.
·
All the dresses, tee shirts, denims, pajamas,
anything which you want to take along, pick them up from kid’s drawers and closets
and place them in the bag. If you don't want to start baggage burden a week in
advance then simply start putting them away in a corner or dresser or any
vacant place. Don't allow kids to wear them. It will be a pleasant job
to put all these washed and ironed stuff in the bags. There will not be any
surprises: ’Oh that dress is still in
laundry.' , ' Where is my favorite
denim.' , 'I don't like this pajamas, I only want my favorite
ones' 'Oh, there is a hole in this
pocket!' ‘My princess shirt is
missing.' 'My jacket is stinking and now we
don't have time to send it for dry cleaning' etc.etc.
·
Always take your kids favorite
clothes along while travelling to avoid any argument, 'You know I hate this
shirt.' 'I will not wear this skirt at any cost' etc.etc.
·
If you have a really picky and choosy
kid, the best thing is to let him or her choose what to wear during
vacations. Vacations are time to relax and reconnect not to argue and
yell. So nip any such incentive which may cause later arguments and
power struggles, at very bud.
·
Either it’s a kid or grown up,
there's nothing like denim. Stain resistant, stylish and can easily go with any
type and color of shirts.
·
A big no to cotton trousers. Whatever
you do they cannot last more than a day. And if a toddler is wearing them then
don't forget to carry an extra pair of pants along. It’s must they'll get
soiled.
·
A big no to laces when packing kids
shoes. Joggers without laces are the best. Kids can easily put
them on and there are no more cries after each half an hour,'Mommmm, laces!!!'
·
A very big 'no' to all those cutie
buyer's bargains which all of us collect over the time and assume
travelling is the best time to try them on. That cute little wrist band
or this pretty straw hat with fancy trimmings which makes your little plum
looks divine are a big NO if she keeps on throwing them. You don't need
to spend half of your time in picking it up and putting it back on her
head. There is no need to carry those stylish shades and pretty caps
you once bought for your kids and now it’s a power struggle to
make them wear it. Throw any such item back in the closet which makes your
child to throw a tantrum. Your little jewels will look super cute with
their sparkling eyes and smiling faces when you will start the day with
compassion.
·
Be practical and pack wisely! Any unnecessary
item will be an extra burden and any unwanted thing will lead to nagging!
·
However any favorite bunny,
dolly, hat or hankie is must to be on board with you if it can keep your bundle
of joy happy :)
·
For girls' hairdo pink and white are
the colors which may easily go with any girl's outfit. I still remember
how I used to carry a big bag of ponies, clips, bracelets with me. But now I
put two nice bands and four cute pins in pinks and whites.
·
Remember 'less is more’! We
moms so want our little pumpkins to look super cute that we burden ourselves
with unnecessary clutter. It’s really good to be a 'minimalist' at times :)
·
Don't let number of clothes exceed
number of days. I personally keep room for one tee shirt per child to get as a
souvenir from the place we are visiting. However if shopping is not in the
agenda then an extra t-shirt should be there. This doesn't apply to
toddlers and babies. Moms are supposed to pack according to their individual
needs.
·
Never compromise on the number of
socks and undoes. You will need a pair per day. I still remember our last trip
when we were in Singapore and we were short of socks and undies. So I washed
them and hung inside the washroom. It took them long time to get dry and they
carried an unpleasant smell of dampness, even though I've ironed them.
·
Pair tee shirts with trousers or
skirts and tights while packing.
·
Put undies and socks in separate
clear plastic bags.
·
A backpack is must to have. While
exploring your holiday resort you can conveniently put all the required things
in it. Whether it’s your baby's extra clothes, wipes and diapers or your camera
and other eatables. However if it’s a family reunion then instead of
back packs, small trolley bags are preferable.
- · Medicines!
·
Kids love to carry back packs. It’s a
convenient and cute way to carry along kids required goods while on the go! And
here are some dos and don'ts :
- A big NO to junk
food
- YES to cereal
bars, mini pack of flavored or plain milk and water
- Some crayons and
a notebook or
- Your child's favorite
toy
·
But a big NO to backpacks if your
kids eventually refuse to carry them and in the end its you who has to carry
their back packs in addition of your own. It’s much better to prepare small
goody bags and put them inside your own back pack.
·
Moms' bags are like a treasury to
kids which always carry something to soothe an agitated child whether he is a
tot or a teen. Here is a list of my must haves:
- Sanitizer
- wipes
- Moisturizer
- Pen (for you)
pencil (for kids)
- Mini notebook
- Mini packs of
munchies
- Mini pack of
napkins
- Some band aids
- panadol
Above are the
things which you should carry besides your regular stuff, lots of patience
and loads of
Love!
Turn
planning, preparing and packing into fun!
Take travelling as
a golden way to create memories!
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