Beach vacations mean relaxing in the sun, taking leisurely strolls in the sand and forgetting about the time. That is until the trip also includes toddlers or preschoolers. Two-, three- and four-year-olds respond better to routines, which means some effort needs to go into keeping one even on vacation. Finding a flexible schedule that mimics that at home and anticipating inevitable meltdowns helps ensure a pleasant vacation for everyone.
Getting Kids to Sleep on Vacation
While following the same sleep schedule to the hour is nearly impossible while on vacation, adhering to some kind of routine, even a flexible one, is vital to keeping kids happy.
- If a child still take naps, plan beach time and other outings before lunch or in late afternoon, when the sun is less intense anyway.
- Follow the same go-to-sleep routine from home as closely as possible. Bring along a pacifier, special blanket or other comfort items that help the child sleep.
- Understand that a nap may not happen because of the unfamiliar surroundings, excitement or overtiredness. Just provide the opportunity, and at least encourage some form of rest to take place.
Following Regular Mealtimes While on Holiday
One explanation for fussiness in young children is hunger. If kids are used to eating at certain times everyday, that is not going to change once they arrive on the beach. On vacation, dinner plans may happen later and lunch may be a free-for-all, but always remember a child’s eating needs.
- Try to start the day with a filling, nutritious breakfast. It is the easiest meal to schedule and prevents kids from feeling ravenous later.
- Plan other meals on time as much as possible even if lunch is only be cheese and crackers with a piece of fruit before naptime. Also, consider family-friendly restaurants with fast service and kid-friendly features for quick dinner plans.
- Always pack snacks. These are essential for mid-morning hunger strikes on the beach or when dinner at the must-go spot turns into a two-hour wait.
Dealing With Meltdowns on a Beach Vacation
With the likelihood of getting off schedule and missing naps or meals, beach vacation meltdowns are inevitable. Learn when meltdowns are most likely to happen such as before meals and at naptime. Expect them, and then be ready with these prevention and distraction tactics.
- Prevent some tantrums by finding a routine as soon as vacation starts with set nap and mealtimes as described above.
- If a child goes without a nap, plan for an earlier bedtime, even if that means no moonlit walk on the beach for mom and dad.
- Have a meltdown strategy. If at anytime crying is uncontrollable, plan for someone to remove the child from the situation whether it is going back to the hotel room or car for distraction and rest.
Vacationing with toddlers and preschoolers is a different experience compared to going kid-free. Make sure it is fun with a simplified routine and flexible attitude to help curb meltdowns.
Karen Perkins - Karen Perkins is a freelance writer focusing on decorating, entertaining and crafting. A background in interior design combined with a ...
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