I remember reading in one of those “What To Expect…” books (or, as I sometimes refer to them, “How to Make Mommy Feel Inadequate…” books) that toddlers thrive on routine.  And darn it, for the most part, that’s true.

This can make for some complications when traveling.  It’s not always so simple to continue a daily routine when you are running for a connection or hoping to get in line for the Louvre 45 minutes before opening.  Your child may resist making any adjustments.  And he may resist them loudly.

So, instead, you will be the one to adjust.

You’ll adjust your itinerary for flights at the right time of day.  You’ll adjust your plans to make sure you hit the museum at nap time.  You’ll adjust your entrance to hit the potty before doing anything else.  You’ll adjust your exit to make sure you are back at the hotel before regularly scheduled pre-bedtime tantrum time.  Adjust, adjust, adjust.

But I have to confess, sometimes I do a little bit more than just adjust.  In order to keep the travel harmony, (and perhaps even get a little extra advantage for myself), I full out give in.  And if traveling with children involved atoning for certain parenting sins, I have a lot to confess.

I confess…that I allowed my son Chet to eat a meal consisting only of rice and Gummi bears so I could hit that Ethiopian restaurant for dinner in Geneva.

I confess…that I let him climb all over the train seat like a monkey.  I also allowed him to repeatedly press the button to open the door between cars so our fellow passengers could enjoy the ride sans screaming.

If he fell down, that would just be a valuable lesson in gravity, right?

I confess…that to make it to the Western Wall early, I let Chet stay in his favorite Lightning McQueen pajama bottoms.  Certainly the boy’s devotion to those darn CARS make those ratty pants more than appropriate attire for a religious site.

I confess…that I turned a blind eye to his having a knock-down, drag-out tantrum along the city walls of Mdina—the so-called Silent City—while I got a few extra shots of the view.  And yes, fine, OK.  I gave him a lollipop to end said tantrum once I finished.

I could go on.  It would seem that I have a lot to make up for in the parenting department when we’re on the road. But I’ve found that doing so makes for a better trip all around.  Because if baby and Mama are (relatively) happy?  Pure bliss.

What about you, dear readers?  What concessions have you made to make traveling with kids a little easier?  I’d love to hear them.  If only to make me feel better.

December 21st, 2008 | by Kayt Sukel 7 comments