No one to make midnight diaper runs when you're all out. No one to sit with your sleeping toddler on the airplane while you go to the bathroom.
Parenting.com has some terrific tips to prevent or solve tricky scenarios like these.
Here are my top 10 (you can check their website for more great ideas):
1. Check in online to avoid long waits at the airport.
2. Use the family security line which is usually much shorter.
3. Keep your stroller to use until moments before you board the plane. I made the mistake of checking mine once and I was sorry when the flight was delayed and I couldn't roll my twins around to help occupy them for hours.
4. Use the early boarding option on the plane to get settled in and comfortable quickly instead of waiting in a long line.
5. Ask a flight attendant to watch your child or children while you run to the restroom.
6. Pre-book transportation from the arrival airport to your hotel. Standing in a long cab line is NOT fun after a long flight and your toddler is sure to let you know it.
7. Try to stay at kid-friendly hotels. Check out Oyster.com and look at the pull down for the best family hotels.
8. See if your hotel has special programs, amenities or gifts for kids. Some give free mini-backpacks full of toys and treats. It keeps your little ones occupied while you shower, unpack, etc.
9. Take snacks or make a run to an area grocery store so that you don't have to eat every meal out. Asking your toddler to sit 3 times a day for long periods at restaurants isn't practical or fun.You can easily slice fruit, have granola bars, cereal or prepackaged crackers, even oatmeal in your room each morning to quickly and easily get breakfast out of the way. Also request a room with a mini-fridge so you can store milk, cheese sticks, yogurt, etc.
10. Get a room with a balcony so you can read, make phone calls or relax while your young child is sleeping. It keeps you from having to leave a light on in the room while your child is trying to fall asleep.
Have fun travelling this summer!
Read more Parenting Perspective blogs by visiting the Parenting Channel on 6abc.com.
