Surviving the Holidays: Traveling with Kids Without Losing Your Mind
The holidays are magical. How is travel required to get to Grandma’s house? Not so much. Whether you are driving 6 hours or flying across the country, traveling with kids requires military-level planning. 1. The "Snackle Box." Buy a cheap plastic tackle box or craft organizer (with little compartments). Fill each spot with a different snack: Cheerios, blueberries, cheese cubes, and pretzels. Why it works: The novelty of opening the little lids keeps toddlers occupied for 30 minutes, whereas a bag of chips keeps them busy for 30 seconds. 2. Wrap Old Toys A few weeks before the trip, hide 3 or 4 of their current toys. Wrap them in wrapping paper. On the trip: When they get fussy, hand them a "present." The excitement of unwrapping it makes the old toy feel brand new. 3. Respect the Sleep Routine It is tempting to keep kids up late for holiday parties. The Warning: A sleep-deprived child in a strange house is a recipe for a meltdown. Try to stick to their normal b...