How to deal with Travel Tantrums

With a few weeks of Summer left, a lot of us are squeezing in last minute trips. But if you’re traveling with a toddler, travel can go from adventure to nightmare fast. Here are my tips for dealing with Travel Tantrums. 

1.  Food

• One reason for tantrums is hunger. It’s important to make sure you have bottles and snacks ready and keep feeding times as close to the tot’s regular schedule as possible.

• Get special snacks he or she doesn’t get at home. The novelty will keep them engaged longer. 

• Also, if you are flying, try to time bottles with take off and landing or give the little one a binky - sudden pressure changes can hurt little one’s ears. Sucking motions can help.

2. Sleep

• If your little one will sleep anywhere, great! You can time drives or flights when they would be napping or sleeping anyway.

• If your little one won’t sleep anywhere, try to give them at least one good nap before departure. A rested kid is a calmer kid.

3. Activity

• Have LOTS of contingency plans: books, travel activities, etc. 

• Plan on changing the activity every 20-30 minutes based on the child’s ability to stay engaged.

• You can alternate between activities, snacks and feedings. 

• And don’t feel bad if you need to resort to screen time! Movies, video games and even your phone can be a life saver.

4. Remember your priority

• Just remember that traveling, especially in busy airports provide TONS of stimulation, which can be a lot for anyone but especially young kids.

• Don’t worry about how the tantrum makes you look. You are not a bad parent if your child has a meltdown.

• Focus on loving your child, helping them through the tough time and holding them tight if it seems as though they will hurt themselves or others.