Yes, there really are good reasons to travel with young kids! More than 5 even, but here are my top ones!
Encouraging Their Speech Development
Whatever stage they are at with their speech, seeing and hearing more words can only help to develop their skills. Different cultures and languages also offer them new words and sounds to emulate, and this in turn will inspire them to continue to develop their native language, as well as attempt new ones in the future.
Building Their Confidence
During the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen the damage living in restricted conditions can have on young people’s development. Children who are exposed to new situations regularly will naturally have a more confident approach to dealing with something different. Just like us, if we regularly push the boundaries of what is considered our normal routine, we grow in confidence and our anxieties wane. You don’t have to go to the other side of the world to do this, but experiencing somewhere new must be encouraged if you want to help your child grow in to a more confident adult.
Inspiring Their Curiosity
Kids are naturally curious, but their spirit can easily be dampened if their curiosity is interpreted as “naughty”. I’m not saying let your child go wild (unless that’s your vibe), but encouraging them to question what’s around the corner, or to go off the beaten track, can be valuable life experience. Nowadays we have Google Maps and GPS in our pockets, so as they get older, why not try letting your kids do some of the decision making on a walk? How lost can you actually be?!
Growing Their Social Skills
Some toddlers simply have no inhibitions when it comes to talking to strangers, and so long as they are under your supervision at all times, why not let them? It is great for their social development! No matter what language they speak or where they are from, kids seem to be able to play and communicate with each other no problem. If you’re blessed with a cherub with a smile that would melt a stone cold heart, they will undoubtedly get interaction from an adoring public wherever you go. Embrace it! Nurture those skills and help them to become the social butterfly they long to be!
Making Memories
As a wise person probably once said “you can’t take your money with you when you die”, but what you can do is live a happy and fulfilled life packed with joyous memories and adventures with your nearest and dearest. You could spend the rest of your life waiting for the ‘perfect age’ to take your kids here, there and everywhere, but guess what? You might never get there! Seize the day, grab life with both hands and go live the dream! Take photos, make videos, enjoy each other’s company and experience everything together. Life is for living, so quit talking and begin doing!
BONUS: You’re Developing Your (Adaptable) Parenting Techniques
That’s right folks – this one is for you! You don’t want to be ‘that parent’ having a shouting match with your kid, and you can’t take the naughty step from the house to the road, so harnessing your inner Super Nanny and learning how to make her portable is going to quickly become your magical power! I am yet to fully master this one myself, but I know I can’t use ‘Mummy’s Angry Dragon Voice’ in public, and travelling more is definitely going to accelerate my understanding of assertive-but-not-aggressive parenting! It has to, because I can’t bare to be that woman that ‘can’t control her kids’!
What are your reasons for travelling with a toddler in tow? Share them in the comments – we’d love to hear from you!
Our Whimsical World 