Travelling is a great time for family bonding while exploring new places and gaining new experiences together. However, travelling with children has its challenges. SPD occupational therapist Tan Qing Fang has some tips for parents who are planning on travelling with their child who either uses a mobility aid, is overly active, dislikes loud noises or crowded places, seeks/avoids certain textures, or dislikes changes.
My child uses a mobility aid
If your child uses a mobility aid such as a wheelchair, you would have likely come across situations where the places you were visiting or the transportation you were taking were not accessible. Some places may require visitors to navigate stairs or steps in the absence of lifts and ramps. Certain transportation may also not have the space to accommodate the wheelchair, whether in use or in storage.
Here are some things regarding accessibility that you should find out before your trip:
- Check websites, online reviews or ask someone who has been to your destination. Some things to look out for:
- availability of ramps
- location of lifts
- location of accessible toilets
- whether programmes and activities are wheelchair-accessible
- whether the walkways are wide enough to accommodate the wheelchair
- Check the transportation (e.g., airline) company’s website for their policies as well as any accommodation they can provide before booking your tickets.
- They may request that you contact them to make any special arrangements
- If the wheelchair or mobility device cannot be used on board, check in with your healthcare team what would be a safe seating arrangement for your child. Some airlines may allow special seating devices.
- Remember to check if the transportation at your destination country (e.g., trains, taxi) is accessible as well!
My child is overly active
If your child always has an abundant amount of energy or keeps running about, he or she may find long travelling times challenging. For example, when the travelling time is long and the seats are cramped such as on planes or travel coaches, they may get restless and feel frustrated due to the lack of space to move freely.
Here are some strategies that may help:
- Expend their energy through play and heavy work activities before your flight or bus ride (e.g., play catch with their siblings, play at the airport’s playground, or help to carry and pull some of the luggages etc.)
- Take movement breaks where possible (e.g., getting out of the seat for a short walk).
- Schedule flights or bus rides during their nap time or sleep time if possible, so that they can fall asleep during the ride.
- Prepare activities to engage your child during the ride (e.g., colouring books, watching their favourite movie, playing their favourite toy).
My child dislikes loud noises or crowded places
Some children get overwhelmed when places are too noisy or when there are too many things going on in the area. You may see them using their hands to cover their ears or eyes.
Some tips that may help for your next trip:
Before the trip
- Familiarise your child with the busyness of the airport and transportation hubs by showing them pictures and videos of the place or bring your child there prior to the trip to familiarise themselves.
- Transportation hubs may be a big and busy place with many people and there may be loud announcements. Look out for quiet areas or check with the staff if there are designated quiet areas for your child to calm down if needed. Some airports may have dedicated sensory rooms.
- When taking the plane or other transport, opt for priority boarding where possible to board and settle down before the crowd.
- Schedule flights or bus rides during their nap time or sleep time, so that they can fall asleep during the flight.
During the trip
- Visit attraction sites during non-peak timings to avoid crowds if possible.
- Using headphones/ noise cancelling headphones may help your child to better tolerate noises such as the sound of the plane’s engine.
- Have frequent downtimes during the trip. For example, schedule in quiet time or time to unwind at your place of accommodation instead of being out and about the whole day.
My child seeks or avoids certain textures
Some children enjoy touching certain textures while others avoid them. Planning the trip around your child’s preferences will help them to enjoy the trip more.
Some considerations include:
- The activities you will be doing. For example,
- Going to the beach may not be a good idea if your child does not like the feeling of sand on their body.
- If your child enjoys sticky textures, a finger-painting session may be a fun activity for them.
- Place of accommodation
- Check in with the place of accommodation regarding textures that your child is sensitive to. For example, check in with them if the floor is carpeted or hardwood flooring. Bring indoor shoes for your child to wear in the room if your child does not like the feeling of carpet on their feet.
- Bringing your own bedsheet from home may be helpful for children who are particular with the type of fabric touching their skin.
My child dislikes changes in routine
Travelling often comes with exposure to new environments. Your child may feel anxious or upset due to things being unfamiliar or are outside of their regular routines.
Theres are some strategies that may help:
- Prior to the trip, show videos, pictures or read social stories of locations that are in your itinerary. This will help your child know more about the new places that you will visit and know what to expect at different locations (e.g., airport, attraction sites, accommodation) throughout the trip.
- Use visual schedules during the trip so that your child knows what to expect for the day. Go through the schedule with your child at the beginning of the day and bring it along so that your child can refer to it throughout the day.
- Visit just a few places instead of cramming multiple locations in a day.
- Bring favourite and familiar snacks and food on your trip as allowed by travel regulations and laws. If your child has specific food preferences, look through the menu beforehand and preorder food if necessary.
- Make sure your child is sitting next to you or another familiar adult during all transportation rides. If there is only one familiar adult, sit your child by the window if possible. Some children may be uncomfortable sitting beside an unfamiliar adult.
- Bring along a familiar toy or item for comfort.
General tips
- It is useful to check in with the airline and transport company, attraction sites, travel company and places of accommodation regarding your concerns to see if there is any way they can support your family.
- Changi Airport supports persons with additional needs by offering staff assistance as well as lanyard identifiers and the Changi Airport Social Story to prepare the child. There are more information about how Changi Airport is supporting travellers who require special assistance at this link.
- If your child is new to travelling, choose neighbouring locations and go on a shorter trip first as your child learns to adapt to new environments and longer travelling time.
- Have frequent breaks and have downtimes throughout the trip. This would allow both you and your child to rest.
- When your child is overwhelmed:
- Bring your child to a quiet corner to allow them space and time to calm down
- Reassure your child in a calm voice e.g. “It’s okay Tom”
- Provide physical reassurance to your child e.g., hugging, rubbing your child’s back
- Guide your child to take deep breaths together and drink some water to calm down
We hope that you find some of these tips helpful in easing some of the stress faced when preparing for a family trip. We wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable trip! Happy travels!
Image source: shutterstock.com
References
Changi Airport Group. (n.d.). Special assistance. Changiairport.com. https://www.changiairport.com/en/airport-guide/special-assistance.html#anchorAssistance
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Erwin, E. J., & Robinson, K., & Aveta, D. (2017). Being present: An exploratory study on the use of mindfulness in early childhood. The International Journal of Holistic Early Learning and Development, 4, 1-17.
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Singapore Airlines. (n.d.). Wheelchairs and other assistive devices. Singaporeair.com. https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/us/travel-info/special-assistance/mobility-aids/ Tecău, A. S., Brătucu, G., Tescașiu, B., Chițu, I. B., Constantin, C. P., & Foris, D. (2019). Responsible tourism—Integrating families with disabled children in tourist destinations. Sustainability, 11(16), 4420. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11164420
