I’m not going to sugar coat it. If you’re planning a trip with a toddler, let me give you a piece of advice.
Don’t.
Ok, maybe that was harsh. Do, but do with warning.
Today, with only two weeks till we fly home, we have hit a wall. I sit here on a flight from Copenhagen to Amsterdam, knowing we then have to transfer to another flight to Lyon, then drive for four hours to Colmar, and I feel done.
From the moment we got out of the taxi at the airport, the drama started. It escalated while we were loading our mountains of hand luggage onto the security check and it peaked when Elliot saw his iPad go up onto the belt and I wouldn’t let him have it. But boy, did he let me have it.
The tantrum that unfolded as we tried (8 times) to get through the metal detector was abominable. Wailing, spluttering, throwing himself on the floor. All while hundreds of people stood glaring at us, held up from moving because of one little human. As Scott tried to negotiate with the little terrorist, I felt the evil glares and judgmental remarks from strangers and it undid me, tears welled up and I dragged him kicking and screaming along the floor to a quiet corner to sit and wait for him to calm, knowing he had already forgotten what it was that even upset him to begin with. The security guys patted Scott on the back and said sarcastically “enjoy your holiday!”. Yeah, thanks .... and with 10 minutes till boarding closed and a good 15 minute walk to the furthest gate in the airport, we ran, ran our little legs off and plonked ourselves into our seats; sweating and out of breath, saying to each other in unison “I’m done”.
The tantrum that unfolded as we tried (8 times) to get through the metal detector was abominable. Wailing, spluttering, throwing himself on the floor. All while hundreds of people stood glaring at us, held up from moving because of one little human. As Scott tried to negotiate with the little terrorist, I felt the evil glares and judgmental remarks from strangers and it undid me, tears welled up and I dragged him kicking and screaming along the floor to a quiet corner to sit and wait for him to calm, knowing he had already forgotten what it was that even upset him to begin with. The security guys patted Scott on the back and said sarcastically “enjoy your holiday!”. Yeah, thanks .... and with 10 minutes till boarding closed and a good 15 minute walk to the furthest gate in the airport, we ran, ran our little legs off and plonked ourselves into our seats; sweating and out of breath, saying to each other in unison “I’m done”.
I recently read an article about traveling with toddlers, and by the end of the article those feel good lines about sharing wonderful experiences as a family really resonated with me. It said "the hardest bit about it is also the best bit about it: being with each other constantly with no breaks!" and that definitely rings true.
For the most part, E has been an exceptional traveller. We have shared amazing family time and experiences most families will never get. But I write this because these last few weeks have been hard. And I want Elliot to one day look back on this blog and read this and maybe give us that pat on the back we deserve. Or shout us to a fancy dinner or something!
For the most part, E has been an exceptional traveller. We have shared amazing family time and experiences most families will never get. But I write this because these last few weeks have been hard. And I want Elliot to one day look back on this blog and read this and maybe give us that pat on the back we deserve. Or shout us to a fancy dinner or something!
But in all seriousness, here are some tips if you plan on embarking on a nine month adventure across with globe with a two year old ....
1. Never underestimate the time it takes to get trough the airport. We literally run on to every flight vowing to give ourselves more time, next time. There’s always a nappy change, a stop to buy a snack, a toy that must be bought, a play on the luggage trolley, something. Anything.
2. Packing light no longer applies. Be prepared to wait for a minivan taxi and always pay for extra luggage, you’ll need it.
3. Hold off on giving kids iPads for as long as possible. I love them and I loathe them. We have used them to our advantage on long drives and dinners in nice restaurants, but now he is obsessed with it and it’s sent him crazy. When we get home, it goes in the bin.
4. Drink. Lots. It’s the only way to calm your nerves. And 10am in Europe is a completely acceptable hour for a beer.
1. Never underestimate the time it takes to get trough the airport. We literally run on to every flight vowing to give ourselves more time, next time. There’s always a nappy change, a stop to buy a snack, a toy that must be bought, a play on the luggage trolley, something. Anything.
2. Packing light no longer applies. Be prepared to wait for a minivan taxi and always pay for extra luggage, you’ll need it.
3. Hold off on giving kids iPads for as long as possible. I love them and I loathe them. We have used them to our advantage on long drives and dinners in nice restaurants, but now he is obsessed with it and it’s sent him crazy. When we get home, it goes in the bin.
4. Drink. Lots. It’s the only way to calm your nerves. And 10am in Europe is a completely acceptable hour for a beer.
We see the world through social media. Staged Instagram photos of gorgeous mums toting adorable kids across the globe. There is no mess, no sleep deprivation, no tantrums or fighting with their husbands! I too love a well styled snap of a cocktail by the pool, and for the most part, we are living it up. But parenting is hard work, and it’s no easier on the other side of the world.
While carrying E through Amsterdam airport in transit, in his nap-deprived mumble he told me he loved me. And all was forgiven ... but not forgotten.
A xx
Ps. Any tips for diffusing tantrums?? Especially those ones in public??
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Hahha “little terrorist” LOL! The end is near and you’ll be home soon! Well done on the 9 months. I can’t wait to have a drink at 10am with you xoxo
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