Whether it be loading them into a car, navigating the checkpoints at an airport, or just getting them out the front door, I can think of few things as frustrating, unpredictable, and, at times, futile as travelling with young children. Before I begin, this post is not a “how-to” on lessening or eliminating travel horrors. We have all made our own beds. Although I will say that an iPad, tablet, or any other portable second-screen device can be a true godsend. Adding that the use of Benadryl on kids or any other mild sedative is highly frowned upon (wink, wink).
Note – Seriously, though, only use drugs for their intended purpose and not to incapacitate your children. Despite how tempting that may sound.
Travelling With Kids
I’ve speculated that Murphy’s Law of “anything that can happen, will happen” may have been devised during a family trip. No phrasing better sums up the plethora of possible catastrophes one may brave in an outing involving kids. The first vacation my family and I embarked on was actually fairly painless. However, our falsely placed confidence prompted an even longer excursion the following year that would eviscerate any notions of us “having our shit together”.
We decided to rent a cottage for a week with friends who happened to also have children. Long story short, upon returning home, my wife and I had never felt so spent. That “time away” turned into the least relaxing 7 days of our lives, stockpiled with child-related misadventures and meltdowns. I’d sooner tailgate a Trump rally than ever go through that again. However, sadly, I likely will.
A message to those without children: ease up on parents who board planes with newborns! Is it not bad enough that they are transporting an emotional time bomb? But to add insult to injury, they are also forced to brave an audience of scowling spectators? Chances are, that parent has already endured more annoyance, aggravation, and disturbance simply getting to the airport and into their economy class seat than any other passenger on board. They also don’t need further judgment from onlookers for what may or may not occur during the flight. And, if the baby does happen to cry (as babies are prone to do from time to time), put on your prepackaged earphones, eat your complimentary trail mix, and give them a fucking break. Because for them, their experience of transporting an infant doesn’t end once the wheels hit the tarmac.
It’s Worth the Hassle
The point I’m getting at is that travelling with children may be a huge headache, but what other choice, as parents, do we have? We should all strive to show our children that the world is bigger than their respective hometowns. We should all want to take them to places that fuel their development, broaden their horizons, and create memories. Worst comes to worst, you’ll accrue a checklist of places to never take your child to again and any bad behaviour is simply ammunition for future chores and emotional manipulation.
Bon voyage!