Easy Ways To Entertain Kids During Travel Without Screen Time

After having walked down the ‘app’y path with kids, here is my turn to do it the happy way! You in? 
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'Tis the travel season and parents across the country are busy planning their vacation with family. But there is that one nagging doubt every parent has ahead of their travel. Short or long, any travel with the offsprings cannot be an easy one. That being said, it never gets super easy even when they grow! Trust me I would trade places with my travel a couple of years back with my toddler back then rather than my grade-schooler now! Agree?!

But then, to think of it- how did our parents engage us back then? No iPads, no apps, no audiobooks- how did we (more importantly, they) survive the ordeals of travel? Every study now and then lists the perils of getting your kids addicted to screen time, and travel is just another ripe excuse they use to get glued to the screens? Is screen-time free travel, really a thing?! Yes, I believe so. After having walked down the 'app'y path with kids, here is my turn to do it the happy way! You in? 

1. Books- An absolute essential:

Well, this one is a no-brainer. My little girl packs in a book even when we are off to a restaurant in the city! Pack a set of easy-to-carry lightweight books that you kids like. Make a mixed bag of them. One new release, one constant favourite and one more you both love reading together. And ensure the ones you add in are what your child approves of. We don't need a new tantrum to make a difficult journey much worse! To find out what book is perfect for your child, join our KSP Book Club now! 

2. Get them a new toy for the travel:

Ok- kids get excited with surprise (we all do, actually!) Make sure you pack a simple toy for the travel and unwrap it just before you leave, so your kids will put up their best behaviour in return! Maker sure it is simple, and easy-to-use. Avoid battery-operated ones, to steer clear of the hassles mid-air!

3.Pack in the art supplies:

This one is a great ROI! Pack in a simple art book or a copy colour one for the kids. And a simple set of 12-15 colours to keep them engaged in the flight. Activity books that involve colouring are also a great choice. Opt for a simple pack of colours rather than an elaborate one. Older kids will be contented doing a simple pen sketch as well. 

4. Strike a conversation:

This one is again easier said than done. But think of it, honestly. Involve your kids in the travel, from the packing stage onwards. Once you are at the airport, talk to them about the process involved etc. And in the aircraft, strike a conversation on topics they would love to hear. Be it fun facts, or stories or just explaining your travel to them. The little ones like when they are given the importance! Indulge them. 

5. Plan some fun games: 

In continuation to striking a conversation,  make sure you plan some simple fun games with your child, like short quizzes or riddles or word builders etc, that will prompt them to think and engage in a useful conversation. The toddlers will be happy with even a Name-Place-Animal-Thing! 

6. Plan the meals and nap time right:

This one is dicey, now. But parents get it right regarding their child's nap times going by when they are super tired. Strike a small deal with the kids. Do all or some of the above and get them to take a short nap so they don't get super cranky when you land. Trust me, there is nothing worse than starting your holiday on the wrong note! Also, the trick to get them to take a nap is to feed them well. Plan the travel meals light. Snacks that are healthy and interesting and not too heavy or difficult to consume. Check out our KSP Specials on what you must pack when travelling with kids. 

7. Discuss the destination: 

Kids are always excited about the destination and what's different in that place. Invest in a good map that the older kids can browse through to understand where they are visiting. For the little ones, explain your itinerary and the lovely things they will get to see when they land. And on your way back, ask your kids to get creative to write a mini-travelogue in their own words of what they saw and how they liked it. 

Got more tips up your sleeve? We would love to hear. Share it with us in the comments below. 

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