ECU Professor Offers Advice For Stress-Free Holiday Traveling With Children | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's note: This article was created by ECU News Services.

    As the holidays approach, many families are hitting the road and taking trips to visit families, friends and loved ones. This can be especially challenging for families with young children who struggle to keep them happy and occupied while traveling by plane, train, or automobile.

    ECU Child Development and Family Relations instructor Ashley Norris puts forth a few ideas to keep little travelers busy and entertained:

• Pack a few small new toys and keep them stashed away until the day of travel. When children start to get restless, pull out one toy at a time. Examples include a small baby doll, a puzzle or a new book.
• Play a game likes "I spy." Young toddlers focus on objects and colors, but for older preschoolers, alter the game to describe family members and friends of the child. For example, "I'm thinking of a person who likes horses..."
• Special snacks. Pack a mixture of snacks that have a balance of protein and carbs to keep children full and satisfied, and perhaps a special treat to keep children excited. Lollipops work well, since they take a little longer to eat.
• Sing along songs. Pack a fun play microphone and sing the child's favorite Disney, radio or holiday songs. This will keep children busy and makes fun, happy memories.
• Plan for movement breaks with rest stop breaks. Pick restaurants with play areas or rest stops with natural grass areas so children can move and run. Play a quick game of Simon Says to get children moving.

    With a little planning and preparation, holiday travel can fly by with less stress and good memories.