Parenting Hack Promises Peaceful Screen-Free Travels with Toddlers!

With the first major heatwaves sparking dreams of the Mediterranean, train stations and airports are again bustling with families eager to enjoy their vacations. A carry-on suitcase, a backpack, a collapsible stroller, a cherished stuffed animal not to be lost, and amidst it all, parents striving to stay calm while a child demands applesauce at the security checkpoint. Traveling with young ones has never been a walk in the park. Often, the toughest part starts even before takeoff.

Indeed, in airports, kids spend a lot of time waiting without fully understanding what’s happening. There are lines to stand in, papers to show, more lines, waits at the boarding gate, and then sitting still for a long stretch on the plane. For younger children, it can seem like an endlessly long day filled with adults saying “just a minute” for hours on end. Consequently, tensions can escalate quickly. Many parents end up pulling out a smartphone or tablet just to get a moment’s peace.

A new tactic is gaining traction among parents of young travelers, especially those who fly often. The idea is based on a simple observation: by the age of five, many children no longer want to just tag along; they want to be involved. The approach involves giving them small “travel tasks” throughout the journey. For example, a child might carry the passports in their backpack, count the boarding passes before a check, ensure their luggage tag is still attached, or identify the correct gate number on the display screens. Others might be tasked with keeping an eye on the boarding time or pushing their mini-suitcase to the waiting area. These are minor details for adults, but for a five-year-old, it’s almost like holding an official position.

In practice, when children feel they are part of the process, they are less overwhelmed by the travel experience. They stay focused on a task, feel useful, and better understand what’s happening around them. Naturally, this doesn’t turn a Paris to Nice flight into a tranquil retreat. There will always be a spilled water bottle and a sudden “I need to pee” right at boarding time. However, many parents report that this way of traveling significantly eases the stress of the journey. And considering the cost of tickets in peak summer, it’s best to arrive as refreshed as possible before even seeing the ocean.