Maximizing Communication and Enjoyment During Family Travels

1. Prepare and Practice:

• Visual Schedules: Create a visual schedule of your travel itinerary. This helps children understand the sequence of events and reduces anxiety about the unknown.
• Role-Playing: Practice common travel scenarios such as going through security, boarding a plane, or staying in a hotel. Role-playing can help your child feel more comfortable and prepared.

2. Communication Tools:

• Bring Familiar Items: Pack favorite toys, books, or communication devices that your child uses regularly. Familiar items can provide comfort and continuity.
• Portable Communication Aids: Consider using portable communication aids such as picture cards, apps, or a small communication book. These tools can be invaluable in new and busy environments.

3. Language-Rich Activities:

• Narrate Your Experience: Talk to your child about what you see and do during your travels. Describe sights, sounds, and experiences to enrich their vocabulary and understanding.
• Interactive Games: Play language games such as “I Spy,” storytelling, or scavenger hunts. These activities can be both entertaining and educational.

4. Managing Expectations:

• Flexibility: Be prepared for changes in plans and be flexible with your schedule. Travel can be unpredictable, and maintaining a calm and adaptable attitude can help your child cope better.
• Breaks and Downtime: Schedule regular breaks and downtime to avoid overstimulation. Quiet time can help your child recharge and process their experiences.

5. Social Stories:

• Create Social Stories: Write short, personalized stories that explain different aspects of travel. These can include airport procedures, meeting new people, or staying in a new place. Social stories can help children understand and anticipate what to expect.

6. Seek Support:

• Inform Travel Staff: If flying, inform airline staff about your child’s needs. Many airlines are accommodating and can provide assistance such as early boarding or special seating arrangements.
• Local Resources: Research local speech and language resources at your destination in case you need support during your travels.

We hope these tips help make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. Traveling can be a wonderful opportunity for your child to learn and grow in new environments. If you have any specific concerns or need personalized advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Wishing you safe and happy travels!

Communication and travel.

Car trips. Long flights…and kids? Is it possible to make it fun? 

Yes! As families are getting in those last-minute vacations before school starts, here are some classic games and new games for making traveling fun with kids that can not only build communication, but also build joyful memories for the family. 

1. Alphabet Game

2. Make up a Story

3. Truth or Dare

4. Fold Over Stories

5. If/Then 

6. Travel Bingo

7. Going on a Trip 

8. ISpy

9. Billboard Stories

10. 20 Questions

Other suggestions for keeping hands and minds busy and engaged when traveling: 

1. Miniature Magnetic tiles: These Mini Picasso Tiles are something that I always bring on trips. Picasso Tiles are family favorite both at home and the miniature size allows us to easily bring them with us on trips. 
2. Playdoh: Miniature Playdoh containers are also easy to throw in a backpack. 
3. Water Wow: These board books are great for toddlers and young preschoolers and can even be refilled on a plane!
4. Puffy Sticker kits: There are a lot of different themes, they are reusable, and take up very little space. 
5. Paper and crayons/markers: It seems so simple but it is hard to beat paper and crayons/markers for keeping children of all ages entertained without taking up too much space. 
6. LCD Writing tablet: This non-electronic tablet allows your child to write and draw and then erase.
7. WikkiStix: These small, thin wax sticks can be molded into many different shapes and used in a lot of creative ways. You can also buy the non-name brand version.