How to Have a Stress-Free Family Day Trip
Although travelling with children can be challenging, experts highly recommend it because of its numerous benefits. For one, holidays, even day trips, can advance brain development in children. The Telegraph explains this is because you exercise your children’s “PLAY” and “SEEKING” systems, two genetically ingrained systems in the brain that generally do not get exercised at home. Your children’s concentration skills also increase when you go on family holidays, especially when you take them to nature-related destinations. If you’re worried about the stress of long holidays, you can always go on short day trips with the children. And here are a few ways to make sure you have a stress-free trip.
Choose your destinations wisely
There are plenty of child-friendly places to visit in the UK that won’t cost you a lot of money, our day out in Greenwich is a good example: You can have some pizza at Pizza Express or enjoy a day out at Mudchute Farm. If you’re going around London, you can get on the Routemaster for a small fare. It’s much cheaper than a tour bus and your children will enjoy the view from the top deck. By choosing your destination wisely it can help you make sure your children enjoy your day out. They are also more likely to cooperate if they have a hand in picking where they go.
Pack smart
The good thing about day trips is that you don’t have to bring much, but having the right bag for nappies and everything else matters. iNews’s list of best baby changing bags can help you choose from backpacks to bucket bags and even stylish holdalls that don’t even look like you have nappies inside. A pushchair is also important, especially for road trips and nature adventures. If you have two young children, it is worth considering a tandem pushchair. There are many advantages to owning a tandem pushchair, for one, they can you give you and your children respite when they get tired. Additionally, iCandy’s list of double pushchairs shows how many designs can be quite slim and have the same width as a single pushchair. This makes it simpler for you to manoeuvre around doorways and narrow, busy streets. Modern pushchairs can also be converted from a double pram to a single pram pretty easily, depending on what you need. Don’t forget to pack ample snacks, toys, and plenty of water, too.
Don’t take safety for granted
Baby Centre recommends dressing your toddlers in bright-coloured clothes so you can easily spot them in a crowd if you were to lose them for an instant. Put a small card with your phone number in one of your children’s pockets so anyone who finds them can easily contact you if you get separated. Make sure your children know they should never talk to strangers and try to keep them within your sight at all times.
Learn your children’s tantrum triggers
Meltdowns and tantrums are inevitable. The easiest way to prevent them is to learn your children’s tantrum triggers. Do they break down when they’re overwhelmed? Tired? Hungry? This way, you can prevent doing too many activities in one day and always carry their favourite toys, drinks, and snacks. Try not to lose your temper when they lose theirs. You shouldn’t ignore your children’s meltdowns either; instead, get down to their eye level and show them that you understand and that it’s okay. Often a quick hug and some reassurance are all they need, especially when they are feeling overwhelmed.
These are some of the simple ways to prevent stress when you’re out and about with your children. Don’t be afraid of the challenges that come with taking them on a trip. After all, the benefits are worth it in the long run.
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