Summer is just weeks away, and that means traveling to see friends and family. For parents of kids with sensory issues and learning differences, traveling can mean more stress than fun. Kids Enabled offers these tips to help parents stick to a routine and create coping strategies so that everyone enjoys a smooth ride.
Ah, the family vacation! You often come home from vacation needing a vacation, especially if you have children that are difficult to keep occupied and centered during travel time. Even though it’s summer and school is out, kids with sensory issues and learning differences still need help staying focused and grounded. A lack of routine can create chaos, and that’s the last thing anyone wants on vacation. Following are some ways that parents can keep their kids in a routine, even while having fun!
Plan ahead (and backwards and sideways)
“What could possibly go wrong?” is an important question parents should ask themselves as they plan for a summer vacation. Think about what helps your child get through his daily routines and make sure those items/snacks/activities are with you on the trip. If appropriate, involve your child in the planning process and talk about possible sensory issues. For example, ask questions such as, “We may have to wait in the airport a long time and airports are noisy. Which CD do you want to bring so the noise won’t bother you?”
Consider your destination and determine if what you need will already be there (such as nearby stores) or if you will need to bring it all with you. Think about bath time, bedtime and mealtime routines and whether an unfamiliar setting will make those difficult for your child. While some families can let routines fall by the wayside on vacation, families of children with sensory and some learning issues depend on routines to help cope with unfamiliar settings and situations.
That’s entertainment!
Fortunately it’s the 21st century, which means there is no limit to the technology that may keep your child happy and quiet in the car or on a plane. However, many kids with sensory issues may need more calming or challenging activities to keep them from getting antsy. Also, vacations are more memorable and enriching when parents unplug their kids and take advantage of the learning opportunities along the way. Below are some ideas to make the trip a fun learning experience:
- Look for workbooks, magazine articles and/or library books that focus on the history of your destination. Let your child choose some or all of these materials. Some Web sites that offer travel information about each state are:
- http://www.50states.com/tools/moreinfo.htm
- http://www.netstate.com/states/tables/st_tourism.htm
- http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Travel_Tourism/State_Tourism.shtml
- Create a surprise “goodie-bag” of activities, fidgets, small travel games and healthy snacks that you can present to the kids at a time when a distraction or diversion is needed.
- This is not the time to introduce a “new favorite.” Bring the “tried and true” books and DVDs that will make them feel more at home in their new surroundings.
- Kids enjoy activities in which they can excel. Certain portable craft items and kits can keep kids busy and give them a sense of accomplishment.
- Proprioceptive activities are usually calming. Backrubs, chewing gum, eating sour candy, drinking through a small straw (like a coffee stirrer) and some anaerobic exercises can help keep kids centered and calm.
- If traveling by car, try car bingo or other activities like counting red trucks, billboards or Ford trucks that engage but do not over-stimulate.
- A fun activity for the whole family is “story time.” Each person takes a turn to add a sentence to create a story.
- Don’t forget the earphones! Your child can listen to books on tape or music without disturbing others.
- Small activities that fit in the child’s lap are ideal for travels such as magnet puzzles, sticker books, an Etch-a-Sketch® or Magna Doodle, play dough, mazes and dry erase boards.
- Provide an enlarged map with your route traced on the map. As you pass different cities and other landmarks, have the kids mark the locations with stickers.
- Stop at historical (and odd) places along the way for entertaining breaks and photo ops!
Get moving!
For many kids with sensory issues, sitting for long periods of time can present problems. If you’re traveling by air, make sure your child can get out of his seat, stretch and walk the aisle (without disturbing others). Bring “fidgets” for the flight, i.e., small tactile toys that provide sensory input through the hands.
If you plan to travel by car, learn ahead of time where the highway rest areas are located. Many of these have big grassy areas that are safe for running, Frisbee® tossing, jumping rope or a spontaneous game of family football (please supervise your children at rest areas). Other opportunities for exercise include indoor play areas at some restaurants and even shopping malls for a brisk walk.
They are what they eat
Packing healthy snacks will minimize that blood-sugar rollercoaster that sends kids into negative behavior and lack of focus. For many sensory-sensitive kids the right food choices are critical in order to manage behaviors, allergies and reactions. Carol Ann Brannon, a registered and licensed dietitian who helps establish healthy and sensory-related diets for children with learning differences, suggests the following:
- Eat before leaving home; never begin a trip on an empty stomach!
- Pack healthy snacks and water bottles to minimize the temptation to buy fast food.
- Set clear and concise limits, consequences and rewards.
- Make water the beverage of choice. Avoid sugary drinks and soft drinks; limit juice intake. For natural “vitamin” water add sliced citrus fruit or berries to a pitcher of water.
- Keep fresh fruit and cut-up veggies handy for easy access.
- Make breakfast a priority regardless of when the day begins! Include a serving of a whole grain cereal, bread, pancake, or waffle, fruit, low-fat or skim milk, and a protein (omega-3 enriched egg, natural peanut butter, etc).
All in the family
If you’re staying with relatives or friends, discuss with your child what he can expect and what is expected of him during the stay in terms of behavior, sleeping arrangements, schedules and activities. Think about creating a “home away from home” by taking along familiar bedding, clothes, books, CDs and/or toys. Also, make sure your child will have a place to “retreat” to if he needs some quiet time. Discuss coping strategies that are already in place at home and how those strategies can work at another home. Some questions that your child may ask are:
- Where will I sleep?
- Will other people be sleeping there?
- What will we eat?
- Who will help me if you’re not around?
Children with sensory issues and learning differences do best with routines and familiarity, so discuss with your host ahead of time those accommodations that will help simulate a home-like routine. If you feel this is too much of an imposition, or you feel uncomfortable asking, it might be a better idea to stay in a hotel, where you can make and facilitate decisions regarding your child without encroaching on another’s routine, or lack-thereof.
Prepare yourself
Take a few moments to prepare yourself mentally for the challenges you will be facing. Remember that children need to have a sense of control over their environment, especially when they are in a new place. Try to feel empathetic. Imagine how you would feel if you spent your vacation being “bothered and agitated” by the noises and people around you. Prepare to be your child’s partner and protector, and think of yourself as his “vacation coach.” You will need to be soothing and reassuring. Discuss with your child those aspects of the trip that might be difficult and, together, come up with coping strategies and plans that make sense to your child. Ask questions such as, “What will we do if you don’t like any of the food at Aunt Helen’s house?” and “How can you let me know you need help with something?”
Many parents avoid travel with sensory-sensitive children because they fear the stress it will cause on the family. However, planning ahead and securing the accommodations needed to help a child handle travel issues will ensure that the family creates wonderful vacation memories. It’s a good idea when planning a trip with sensory-sensitive kids to remember the adage, “Prepare the child for the situation, and prepare the situation for the child.” Planning and preparing means that everyone (even the parents) can have fun!
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