Summer is here! That’s the occasion to share some tips for a happy and relaxing holiday. Holidays before children are a chance to get up late, relax on the beach, go out for meals, soak up the culture, or dance till dawn. Holidays with children are a totally different matter. Holidays with children can be a happy family time, however.
Babies and toddlers are a bit ambivalent about holidays. This is perhaps unsurprising when you look at it from their point of view. Your baby is happy at home. They understand how things work (mostly). Then you take them away somewhere. Unless you and they often go away to strange places and then return home, they will have no idea that the holiday will only last a short time. Add in unaccustomed heat or cold, and jetlag, and you have a recipe for a very unhappy baby.
You can also make life easier for all of you by following these tips:
- Avoid long-haul destinations, especially if they are in very different time zones.
- Take familiar toys and games with you, especially anything essential for sleep.
- Try to keep to the same routine while you are away, particularly bedtimes, and any nap times.
