big kids [6–9 years]

Asyou venture down the road on your vacation you can expect the common request from the backseat for a bathroom, freedom from the car or the need for another snack. But pray you don’t hear, ‘Mom, I don’t feel good…my stomach hurts!”

Not So Much Motion

Motion sickness occurs when the brain is getting conflicting messages from the body’s inner ears, eyes or nerves of the extremities [the motion sensing parts of the body]. For example, if your big kid is riding in the car reading a book, their body and inner ears are sensing the motion of the car, but their eyes are locked on the stationary book and aren’t seeing the motion. The brain is getting conflicting signals, so it sends out a response that can make your big kid feel sick. Obviously, no fun…I mean I’ll take a poopy whatever or snot filled container of anything before I have to clean up puke! Here are some ways to keep the yak monster at bay:

• stop When your big kid starts to complain or show signs of motion sickness [upset stomach (queasiness), cold sweat, restless, fatigued, pale, loss of appetite, vomiting], pullover for goodness sakes! Get out, walk around a bit and get some fresh air.

• watch what you eat Stay away from greasy meals before traveling and instead try a light snack. If motion sickness continues to be a problem, try not eating before other trips. A little experimenting may be needed to see what works for your big kid.

• crack the window A little fresh air can help whether it is August or January.

• eyes forward No reading or video games. Look out the front window a good distance ahead. Even consider placing your big kid in the center of the back seat so they can easily see out.

• accessorize Consider purchasing Seabands, which are elastic wristbands containing a plastic stud that applies pressure on the inside wrist at the Nei Kuan acupressure point. Seebands can also provide nausea relief for those that are pregnant or having side effects due to anesthesia or chemotherapy.

• clean up Don’t be caught without water, wipes, Fabreeze and extra clothes just in case there is some yaking!

If your big kid shows signs of motion sickness when he is not involved in a motion activity, consider seeing your doctor.

Get Involved

This sounds like a broken record, but your tween is always looking for independence and wants to make deci- sions and have his opinion heard. So, when it comes to your family vacation make sure he has some say and use the time to listen to your tween: the plan Get your tween involved in the planning stages of your vacation. Let him have some say in where you go and the activities you will do. This will help your tween take some ownership of the vacation.

• pack it Have them pack their own suitcase and the bag they will have with them at all times. Of course you need to do a review and make sure the essentials are there, but not everything in their bedroom.

• questions please You have your tween all to yourself in the car or airplane so, put away the iPod & DS and get talking. There are great books like KidChat that are filled with questions to inspire conversation and imagination.

• say cheese Hand over the camera and let your tween document the trip.

• vaca rules You’re tween’s social life is becoming more important and being away might put a crimp in keeping in touch. Make sure you go over the technology rules. Just because you’re not at home doesn’t mean the home rules fly out the window. Make it clear that vacation doesn’t mean they are allowed to make unlimited calls and text messages. Last thing you need is to return home to a cell bill that costs more than your entire vacation!

• tried & true Remember the old games your tween has always enjoyed on previous road trips. They are trying to grow up fast, but who can turn down a good old fashion game of car bingo?

• day off This could be a tip for any vacation regardless of the age, but take a day with no plans & sleep in.

Skype is a great way to stay connected with traveling teens

Your teen is spreading his wings and venturing a little further from the nest each year. Soon the school or church or other group associated with your teen will be knocking with a tempting trip that doesn’t include you. in the know

Each new example of your teen’s growing independence can be met with a sense of anxiety, relief and pride or a combination of all three! Before you OK a trip, do your research...

• where you at Know exactly where your teen will be staying and discuss any concerns you might have. Get contact numbers for hotels and chaperones.

• who dat Knowing who is chaperoning the trip can put your mind at ease. Again, make sure you have their contact information.

• how much Find out exactly what is included in the price of the trip and what extras aren’t included so you know how much money to send with your teen.

So you’ve given the OK. As your teen embarks on their first trip without you, make sure you talk about…

• health history Make sure your teen knows their basic health history such as any allergies, past surgeries, illnesses and make sure they have a copy of their health insurance card.

• staying in touch In today’s age of cell phones, make sure your teen knows your phone numbers. Then discuss how often you will talk while he is away. Make it clear you don’t need to talk about every detail of their trip [that can wait until they get home], but it is completely reasonable for your teen to touch base on a regular basis to ease your mind.

• be safe Discuss with your teen how to handle normal travel issues such as flight delays or lost luggage. In his cell phone, program an ICE [In Case of Emergency] number. Emergency personal are trained to look for such an entry. Talk about the importance of being aware of their surrounds. Be cautious of strangers, don’t give out personal information and lock the hotel door. Whether you are in Paris or downtown Fargo running alone, walking while talking on your cell or wearing ear phones is not safe and should be avoided. sources: www tsa gov | www healthychildren org | www momsminivan com www parenting com | www safekids org | www mamanista com www travelingwithkids com | www drgreene com | www faa gov | www expidia com

• public dos & don’ts Make it clear that even without you, there are still common sense rules to follow. Remind him that regardless of where he is, he needs to be polite and responsible. Sure kids will be kids, but they are still representing themselves, your family and the group they are traveling with.