Thursday’s Independence Day holiday is set to break travel records as an additional 3 million people from last year are headed out on vacation plans, . But are children prepared to travel stress-free?
Adults aren鈥檛 the only ones who deal with travel anxiety 鈥� kids feel it too, said Dr. Asha Patton-Smith, a psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente.
鈥淲hen we have situations where younger kids are having tantrums, very clingy or sometimes not eating well, that鈥檚 when you know there may be some uneasiness that may be a part of this travel,鈥� she said.
But parents can help children ease their travel tension.
First, parents should explain to them the details and itinerary of the trip.
鈥淢ake sure your child is well-rested and make sure they鈥檝e had a good meal,鈥� Patton-Smith told 海角社区app. 鈥淎ll of this before starting a trip.鈥�
For younger children, make sure familiar items, like a favorite toy or special book, are packed.
鈥淗aving them be a part of what to bring or what they鈥檙e excited about doing once they get to the destination,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t helps reduce anxiety.鈥�
For families traveling on a plane, train or cruise that requires specific boarding instructions, Patton-Smith said practicing the routines may be helpful.
鈥淏e one of those families that can board early,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e able to board early, it just helps with getting settled.鈥�
For long car rides, Patton-Smith has two pieces of advice: bring something to do in the car and make frequent stops.
鈥淐oloring, drawing and ‘I Spy’ are all things that can keep kids busy and allow you to get there,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he car is challenging. Please plan to take some breaks and include the trip as part of your vacation.鈥�
But Patton-Smith, who鈥檚 based in Burke, Virginia, said the biggest piece of advice for parents is to get a grip on their own travel anxieties.
鈥淢ake sure you are as calm as possible, because you are the model,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f you’re anxious and freaked out, your kids are going to sense that, and it just makes it very challenging.鈥�
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