Think about when you travelled as an individual, either alone or with another person. Sure you were possibly concerned about someone else maybe if they have a fear of flying or you genuinely felt bad when someone else got motion sickness. But you were not responsible for them; you could help them out as best possible but there is a difference when someone elses safety and care is in your hands. This changed for us on a flight when I was pregnant with our first child. At that moment travelling changed for us and once you have that feeling you know it will never change back to the way it was before.This changes the way you travel, its different and for those who have experienced it you know that feeling. Your senses are heightened and your awareness increases of your surroundings. You are not travelling as an individual anymore and this other small person is in your hands.
You can either go in two different directions once you as a parent have this feeling. You either go into the mode of protector and fear everything around them especially when travelling, or you accept this responsibility and make the best of the situation.
We chose the later and made some adjustments in our travelling ever since! So for those where it doesn’t come inherit in your instincts to just roll with the punches when starting to travel with kids, here are some things to consider to help move towards the direction so you become more comfortable with it.
- Kids are more adaptable than you think. You should try to observe how kids are in situations and you’ll realize they’ll adapt. As a kid, everything is new to them and soak up everything.
- Take small steps. Try a short trip maybe somewhere local to get adjusted of being out of your element.
- Prepare, prepare, prepare. Some may feel more comfortable if they feel more knowledgable about where they are going and what they can expect.
- Don’t worry what other people think. There will always be judgment from others around you while traveling with kids, it just happens. So best just to get over that early. The prime example of this was on a flight with my 1-year-old son when he was sitting on my lap (trying to squeeze out at many free flights I could get before he turned two). It was a small plane and trying to keep him still was next to impossible, every time I lifted him up to move him around I kept knocking his head in the overhead cabin! You hear the whispers and the eyes glaring over the seats. There will always be those moments when you aren’t on your A game, but you are trying your best and that’s all you can ask of yourself.
It takes time and the more times you take your kids you learn something new and figure out what works for you and your kids. Guarantee that travelling will change from what you were used to once a child comes into your life, but with any change comes opportunity. Let the adventures begin.
Marta - Learningescapes says
I am 100% with you about kids being more adaptable than we give them credit for: I think it is important to take their needs into account, when travelling, but I find as long as they have you, you are their rock and there is little more they really need. And absolutely, shut your ears and eyes if you feel others are judging you :-)
The Passport Kids says
I even tend to give extra smiles to those new parents travelling with kids or making positive comments to them, like “We have all been there” and “They are doing awesome”. Any positive messages you can provide parents while travelling will only help block out the negative judging.
WyldfamilyTravel (@wyldfamtravel) says
We jumped in head first with a 10 month old . We had a 24 hour flight from Melbourne to Amsterdam and spent 5 weeks pushing a stroller around Amsterdam, Prague, Paris, Budapest and Munich. It was great lol
The Passport Kids says
Love it! That is awesome that you made that journey with a 5 week old :)
Passports and Pigtails says
Those who judge make me crazy, like the gentleman who went to sit in the seat in front of my daughter, peered over to look at her, wrinkled his nose and stated “ugh, this should be a fantastic flight”. Well it was, my daughter never made a peep! And kudos to the fellow travel parents who not only don’t judge, they offer a helping hand when a new travel family is clearly beyond their limits.
The Passport Kids says
Yep, focus on sharing support and help to those who need a little bit. Putting yourself in another’s shoes goes a long way. I also get the other extreme where so many people are missing their own kids and grandkids so they always help too! There are some really helpful and positive travellers out there, so I just focus on those ones. Thanks for making me feel not so alone with getting the over-the-seat glare :)