| Going away can be a challenge. I've mentioned some concerns earlier on http://shapingherworldwith-autism.weebly.com/family-blog/are-we-there-yet , but it doesn't have to be a deal breaker. It just takes some great planning and a lot of patience. (still working on) I'm known for my over packing and even when I've scaled way down (or so I feel I did) I end up with to much. But when packing for a 3 year old, there are many things that we need to make our/her stay, wherever we are more comfortable. Seriously a comfortable toddler means a happy family event. When traveling a big bag of "tricks" is a good plan of action. Toddlers tend to move from activity to activity so quickly that the more you have the better for everyone. I usually have little things that don't take up much space and are light (age appropriate things of course). I purchase things from all over. The dollar store, garage sales, kid sales and other places I come across. - small coloring books, crayons - animals on the smaller side - small containers of play dough - bubbles (little container) - a new stuffed toy , little - book - trinkets (rings and party favor type things - this container is great for on the go lego building (container purchased from ikea) - cheerios or the likes on a piece of yarn, great snack for in the car. Or the cereal and yarn ready for little fingers to put on the string. - the ever favorite little people You get the picture. I save my extra baby wipe containers and fill these with the treasures. Then she can dig into one of them and find something new to check out. That's the other key here "new". These special things have not been seen before so they are a treat and intriguing (great ideas for potty training rewards too by the way.) Believe me, my family trips away are still a work in progress and there are nights that I am still pulling out my hair. But truthfully I would still have time away than not. Happy travels... One of my favorite websites Child Mind Institute has this to share.... |
How to minimize stress and maximize fun for everyone
Traveling with children who are anxious, wary of change, or otherwise challenging can be daunting, precisely because it does what we expect vacations to do—take us away from the routine of home and expose us to new sights and sounds. read more here
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