Traveling with kids? Music to the rescue!
Ah, summer vacation. Sunny beaches, room service, peace and quiet.
Well, maybe not so much “peace and quiet” if you’re traveling with the kids.
Traveling can be stressful enough - packing, layovers, hiring a dog sitter. Add young children to the mix and you may find yourself wondering, “why bother?!”
Traveling with kids can be stressful. But it can also be a beautiful experience full of memories that you and and your kids will look back on fondly for many years.
So, how to bring a little sanity (and more joy) to your travels? Music to the rescue!
Being stuck in the car, plane, or airport will wear thin on anyone, especially young ones with lots of energy and zero concept of time (“are we there yet?”). Keeping them busy and engaged in something that uses their brains and bodies will help them pass the time (and hopefully nap a little, too). And music is the perfect way to do this.
Take turns playing DJ
Listen to favorite tunes in the car. Take turns sharing your favorite songs from your pre-parent days, and be sure to give your kiddos a chance to request their latest jams.
And, don’t forget that your Kindermusik app is chock full of songs, rhymes, and on-screen instruments for your child to play. Available in the iTunes and Google Play stores - just search “Kindermusik.” Listen to class favorites and check out the many themed playlists for the perfect soundtrack to your summer adventure!
Music meets art
Bring along paper and crayons so the kids can color as they listen to music. They may draw scenes of what they think a song is about, or make more “abstract” art that depicts the tempo or mood of a piece by coloring fast to fast music and using long slow crayon strokes to slow music. Of course, they can draw what they see throughout their travels, too.
Hey Siri, play music from…
If you’re traveling out of the country or somewhere with a distinctive musical style, listen to music from your travel destination. This is a great way for the kids to learn about and experience different cultures. If possible, seek out live music once you’re there!
A family music video
Throughout your travels, engage the kids in making up a family song about the trip, and be sure to share it with any family or friends you’re visiting. Make a music video by filming everyone having a blast at each place you visit!
Dance!
If little bodies feel the need to move while in the car seat, engage them with finger plays. Engage your child’s brain and imagination as you challenge him or her to dance only with a foot, only with thumbs, like an octopus, as if stuck in the mud, or by making a favorite stuffed animals dance. Out of the car, get out the stiffness with a quick hokey-pokey, bounce on your knee, and back massage - especially for babies.
Consistency in the Chaos
Finally, remember that young children thrive on routine. As fun as vacation is, being away from home and their own bed and toys can be upsetting. Be sure to bring along a favorite toy, plushie, or book to help maintain that comfort of home. And, just as we do at the end of Kindermusik class, be sure to have a little Quiet Time during your busy days of travel - necessary time for those little noggins to relax, take in all of the new sights and sounds, and gear up for another day of excitement!
