I thought that by now, Vic and I are experts on travelling with kids. In the past five years, we've taken five or six vacations with them. One of which is a long haul trip. No major incidents took place in the past, so I guess we did things the way it should be done.
I knew what to expect. I was set on not being able to do all things I want to do. We made sure not to pack all days with strenuous activities. I have made a mental note of where to take the kids so they'd be entertained. We also have allowances for resting. I was even prepared for tantrums.
On our recent trip to Singapore during the New Year Weekend, I was quite confident that we could pull it off. Together with my husband's side of the family, we took the afternoon flight to Singapore last Thursday. Vic and I reserved a row of Choice Seats so we will be comfortable with the kids. We brought Johann (4 y/o), Javi (3 y/o), Bettina (1 y/o) and yaya. In our carry-on, we have toys, several forms of entertainment, food, wipes, extra clothes. We mad sure that convenience is within reach.
The first few days were a breeze. Everyone was still excited about the new environment. On the third day, the kids were starting to feel that they are away from home. The younger two children were extra clingy. Javi was content on having cereals, bread, iced chocolate drinks, an occasional piece of meat. Bettina didn't want to be carried by her yaya. Johann didn't want to nap in the afternoon. In short, they were getting cranky. On the fourth and final day, Johann and Javi wanted to go home and couldn't wait to ride the plane. Ipads and toys were not much help.
As we were waiting to board our delayed return flight (at nearly 11PM), almost all three kids were crying at the same time because of lack of sleep and comfort. After consoling one child, another bout of tantrum begins. Just imagine the looks I'm getting from the "perfect" parents of well-behaved children. I'm sure they couldn't wait to give me a piece of advise.
By this time, my thoughts were on checking myself in a hotel room and locking myself in there for a whole day. I wanted some time for myself to recuperate from the stress and demands of parenting.
The children began to settle down as soon as we boarded the plane. It was peace and quiet until Bettina woke up.
At the end of all this hoopla, I realize that when you travel with kids, nothing is certain. I doubt if we'll ever be experts.
I knew what to expect. I was set on not being able to do all things I want to do. We made sure not to pack all days with strenuous activities. I have made a mental note of where to take the kids so they'd be entertained. We also have allowances for resting. I was even prepared for tantrums.
On our recent trip to Singapore during the New Year Weekend, I was quite confident that we could pull it off. Together with my husband's side of the family, we took the afternoon flight to Singapore last Thursday. Vic and I reserved a row of Choice Seats so we will be comfortable with the kids. We brought Johann (4 y/o), Javi (3 y/o), Bettina (1 y/o) and yaya. In our carry-on, we have toys, several forms of entertainment, food, wipes, extra clothes. We mad sure that convenience is within reach.
The first few days were a breeze. Everyone was still excited about the new environment. On the third day, the kids were starting to feel that they are away from home. The younger two children were extra clingy. Javi was content on having cereals, bread, iced chocolate drinks, an occasional piece of meat. Bettina didn't want to be carried by her yaya. Johann didn't want to nap in the afternoon. In short, they were getting cranky. On the fourth and final day, Johann and Javi wanted to go home and couldn't wait to ride the plane. Ipads and toys were not much help.
As we were waiting to board our delayed return flight (at nearly 11PM), almost all three kids were crying at the same time because of lack of sleep and comfort. After consoling one child, another bout of tantrum begins. Just imagine the looks I'm getting from the "perfect" parents of well-behaved children. I'm sure they couldn't wait to give me a piece of advise.
By this time, my thoughts were on checking myself in a hotel room and locking myself in there for a whole day. I wanted some time for myself to recuperate from the stress and demands of parenting.
The children began to settle down as soon as we boarded the plane. It was peace and quiet until Bettina woke up.
At the end of all this hoopla, I realize that when you travel with kids, nothing is certain. I doubt if we'll ever be experts.
Comments