Stressful visits to family

[mrsg123]

Any helpful hints to survive them? I am super stressed about flying tomorrow with our 1.5 and 4.5 yo DDs to visit my parents. It is not a super long flight but will be a very stressful trip due to health issues of my parents etc. Do you just power through visits like this that are stressful? Any advice is appreciated.

[scribellesam]

My DS does not travel well so we find that doing our best to keep him on his regular routine keeps him calm and on best behavior. We buy him the food he eats at home, bring Curious George DVDs for him to watch, pack familiar toys, keep regular naptimes/bedtimes, etc.

I don't know how challenging that will be based on whatever health issues you're dealing with the grandparents, but keeping the kids happy will result in everybody less stressed in end. Also, make sure you get a little time to relax and regroup throughout. Even 30 min can make a huge difference in my mood.

[starlily]

Been there countless times the past 2-1/2 years, dealing with parental health issues. You just have to power through and make sure your H has a large glass of wine waiting for you when you get home. Good luck!

[teatimefor2]

We travel all the time to visit parents and some of those trips were due to family members health. As your oldest is 4.5 I might suggest taking to him/her about the point of the trip - to help grandma and grandpa, a child at that age should be able to understand that. Stress that they are going to need your attention to and ask them to be your big helper with their little sibling.

For your kids, bring their special items (blanket, toys) and since I assume you'll be busy any special foods. My son doesn't eat a ton of pouches, but they are great snacks for a 1.5 year old.

If I have to deal with other issues (family matters), and since it's special as we are OOT, the TV can be a treat and help distract. I also found that activities your children can do with your parents is go, especially if you have thought about it beforehand: reading, baking cookies, going for walks ( not sure about their health concerns).

Just remember to remain calm and flexible. Everyone is in a different situation and routine, if you get upset your kids will pick up on it and get upset too.

Good luck!!