It Was Always Puzzling Packing For My Children

Packing for my children was always so stressful.  I always worry about what I might forget.  My darling husband has always been kind enough to say, “Don’t worry, we can always buy what we need when we get there,” but that isn’t the point to me.  I always feel like it is such a huge waste of money to buy what our children already have.  I began making list, adding to them each vacation, until I had the list perfected, or as close to perfection as I could come.  I have kept organized lists for warm weather, cold weather, in-flight entertainment, carry-on luggage, checked luggage, and optional items for children.   It all sounds a little crazy, until you realize that you can customize the printable lists by crossing off what you don’t need, and checking-off what you have already put into your luggage.  The list can also be altered to fit the individual needs of your child.  Just add what you think might be missing.  If you have a little guy that loves to crawl around on the ground, add more pants, etc.  I hope that my lists reduce the stress that comes with packing.

Safety for Children on Vacation

As you prepare for your family’s holiday vacation in the merry madness of it all, don’t forget to take a few extra steps to insure your children’s safety.  Lucky Little Travelers (http://www.luckylittletraveles.com/ ), a new website dedicated to family travels, recommends a few pre-cautionary safety measures:

1. Teach your children their full name and phone number (including area code), you would be surprised how many 4 year olds don’t know their last name.  All children need written identification on them, meaning write on their hand or use a sticker for little ones.  For older children, give them a copy of the vacation itinerary.
2. Teach your children your full name and their father’s full name. (Grandparents full names, whoever you are visiting, and city name where they are going.  They may not remember, but at least you will know you tried.)
3. Use stickers- preprinted with name, parent’s names, cell phone number (including area code) and address.  Place identification stickers on clothing or use in shoes.  Make sure that your child knows their name and address is in their shoe. (You can buy name tags to run through your printer, or the simple introductory stickers.)  Include if you can, cell phone numbers (including area code), home phone numbers (including area codes),  home address, and your child’s pediatrician’s phone number (including area code), and an emergency contact number.
4. Take a photo, with your camera phone or camera, of each child on vacation, at the beginning of each day.  It will I.D. them in the outfit that they are wearing that day, and vacation photos are wonderful memories so it is a two for one.  Also, all adults on vacation should carry current photos of your children.
5. If you should decide to purchase a more costly I.D.  bracelets or dog tag, you should include:  cell phone numbers (including area code), home phone numbers (including area codes),  home address, and your child’s pediatrician’s phone number (including area code), and an emergency contact number.
6. For older children:  Be sure they are told hotel names and number, and give them a copy of your itinerary to carry with them in their backpack.

Organized Packing List for Your Children's Vacation

Organize your children's packing for your holiday vacation.  We (http://www.luckylittletravelers.com/) have printable packing checklists for cold and warm weather vacations.  We also have a printable packing list for both carry-on and checked luggage.  If you are wondering how you will entertain your children for the long plane or car trip, we have printable packing list that can help aid you.  Family vacations should be fun, unfortunately it is stressful to prepare for them, our goal is to ease your stress.  Please check our new website.

New TSA Rules Affect Pregnant Women

Traveling during the holidays can be a difficult under normal conditions, but this year it is an even tougher decision for pregnant women.  The new TSA security measure of full-body scanners involving x-rays or enhanced pat-downs are taking away the joy of the season.  Either way, it is not an easy choice for pregnant women.  Many obstetricians don’t approve of the x-ray exposure to pregnant women.  Our best advice (www.luckylittletravelers.com) is to check with your doctor for their recommendation on how you should handle the new TSA methods.  The good that comes from the TSA’s new rules is the assurance that everyone onboard your plane is there with the same intention as you, to reach their destination without harm.

Take a look at our new website for other advice on traveling with children:  www.luckylittletravelers.com  We have printable packing list for both warm and cold weather vacations, as well as packing for children’s flight entertainment, and information that can help keep your packing organized for a stress free vacation.

New TSA Rules for Holiday Travel Check Your Children's pockets to get through Airport Security Faster

Traveling during the holidays can be a difficult under normal conditions, but this year it is an even tougher decision for parents.  The new TSA security measure of full-body scanners involving x-rays or enhanced pat-downs are taking away from the joy of the season.  Either way, it is not an easy choice for parents.  Many pediatricians don’t approve of the x-ray exposure to young children.  Our best advice (http://www.luckylittletravelers.com/ ) is to check with your children’s pediatrician, before you book your tickets, for their recommendation on how you should handle the new TSA methods.  The good that comes from the TSA’s new rules is the assurance that everyone on board your plane is there with the same intention as you, to reach their destination without harm.
As you are emptying your pockets make sure to empty your children’s pockets as well.  Check your children’s pockets for items that may generate problems.  I have seen many parents empty their own pockets and completely forget about checking their children.
Take a look at our new website for other advice on traveling with children:  http://www.luckylittletravelers.com/   We have printable packing list for flight entertainment for children.  We also have packing list for children for both warm and cold weather vacations that can assist you with keeping your packing organized for a stress free vacation.

The New Controversial TSA Rules for Children

As a former teacher, I can honestly say children are a lot smarter and more understanding than most people give them credit for.  The new TSA rules are cause for great concern for many parents.  They have wisely taught their children that no one should touch them, thereby protecting their children from predators.  It is unfortunate that the past nine years has led our society to have to learn a completely different idea.  We all saw what happened on 911.  It must have been terrifying to be a passenger on one of those planes.  Personally, I do not like the new TSA rules, but I also take great comfort in knowing that when I or any member of my family is in the air, that we are safe from ignorant, evil, people who want to do us harm.

I think the children that will have the toughest time with the new TSA rules are the youngest ones.   If a parent is uncertain as to health risk involved with the new TSA body scanners, they should check with the person they believe is an expert on their child’s health, their child’s pediatrician.  If the pediatrician thinks the parent should choose to opt-out in favor of a pat-down that is what should be done.  It is our (www.luckylittletravelers.com) belief as parents we have the responsibility to explain to the child what is going to happen, in advance to arriving at the airport.  We also believe that parents should lead by example.  One parent or adult should go first, and make sure that their child is watching.  We also believe that a “practice” pat-down performed at home by a parent may help alleviate some of the fear that is involved. 

I don’t believe that anyone likes the new TSA rules, but we all enjoy the safety that it produces.

Parenting for Holiday Travel With Children and the New Rules of TSA

Traveling during the hectic holiday season is always nerve-racking, and the new TSA rules are tending to be cause for greater tension.  There is concern for the x-rays that the new scanning system emits are a health issue.  Our best recommendation is to check with your child’s pediatrician for their opinion.  A quick call to the pediatrician’s office can alleviate anxiety for parents, and help guide them in the best choice for their child. 

If the recommendation from the pediatrician is to Opt-out of the body scan in favor of a pat-down, we suggest that the parent lead by example.  Ask if you can be patted-down first, so that your child can watch.  Say hello to the TSA agent and address them by name.  Ask your child to watch what happens.  Then when it is your child’s turn, make sure that you introduce your child by name.  Be polite to the TSA agent, it may help to calm your child to see that you are not alarmed by what is happening.  Your child should never be out of your sight during any screen procedures.   TSA agents are currently doing a modified pat-down on children.

Describe to your child before you get to the airport what is going to happen, so that it doesn’t take them by surprise.  Explain to your child that you must be present in order for anyone to touch them, including doctors.  Make it clear that you will never allow anyone to hurt them, and no one will even try as long as you are present.