Making Holiday Travel Less Hellish

The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:

New research that’s giving morning sickness’ origin story, and saying ‘Et tu, Brute?’ to the immune system for contributing to PPD. Really does feel like betrayal.

This dad’s fear that his 3-year-old son will inherit his body issues. Boys also need to hear they’re more than their looks, he says. Roger that.

Why you may want to try the ‘jump test’ next time your child has stomach pain. It could save you a trip to the ER. 

This trailer about why some Black moms are embracing home births. Giving birth shouldn’t be this scary.

What to keep an eye out for as your kid opens presents this holiday season. They’re small and easy to swallow.

Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:

How can I instill gratitude in my kid around the holidays?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Stacy Doumas, MD

Pediatric psychiatrist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center

“By setting an example through words, gestures, and … acts of kindness, we help the next generation understand the power and joy that gratitude brings to both the giver and the receiver,” says Doumas. 

Here’s what you can do:

Start by saying “thank you”: Talk about what you’re thankful for, and ask your kids questions like: "What are three things you are thankful for today?" Encourage them to extend thanks to those who contribute to their daily lives, like their teacher.

Help them build empathy: Try to make giving a priority by getting involved in volunteer activities like at a local soup kitchen or toy drive. Ask them: “How did giving that toy to a child, who may not have many, make you feel?”

Share your gratitude for them: “It's important to remind our children of how grateful we are for … their presence, accomplishments, and wonderful qualities,” says Doumas. You could say: "I am always grateful for you and really appreciate that you’re helping me wrap presents."

Parent-centered advice, recs, and resources.

3 Ways to Prevent Cranky Kids While Traveling

The holiday season can have so much joy… and so many missed naps. Keeping the peace and a routine while traveling is hard, but there are ways to make things consistent, say Moms on Call cofounders Jennifer Walker, RN, BSN, and Laura Hunter, LPN.

Here’s how to stay on track:

• Plan activities ahead of time: Whether it’s a flight, waiting at the hotel, or at a friend’s house, pack a portable arsenal of activities to keep your kids occupied. Some suggestions: Coloring supplies, lacing cards, static cling stickers, or a small cookie sheet with magnetic letters. 

• Embrace the new time zone: If you’re on a long trip, try to do this immediately to get everyone on the same schedule. Make sure you're all soaking in the sun early in the day — it'll help regulate your family's internal clock. (Thanks, melatonin and cortisol.) If you’re staying less than three days, you can choose to remain in your home time zone — you may just have to be flexible with bedtimes. 

• Build in a break: Start each day at the same time (ideally between 7–7:30 am). Then, pick a time after lunch to hit pause for something familiar like a nap, walk, or reading together. In the evenings, it’s OK to adjust bedtime for other plans, but try to keep the same flow as you do at home.

Since it's gift-giving season, here’s one of our top recs for littles this year.

A Travel Crib That’s Worth the $$$

Guava Family’s Lotus Travel Crib ($249) is durable, lead-free, and easy to set up. It comes with a waterproof mattress that sits flush on the floor (meaning no weight limits), and a carrying case that doubles as a backpack. Bonus: It folds up small enough to fit in a plane’s overhead compartment — saving you money on check-in fees. 

Our Skimm Parenting editor Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury loves hers, saying, “My favorite feature is the side zipper door. It makes it easy to soothe my daughter (and make a stealthy exit) when we’re sleeping somewhere new. Plus, we can turn it into a play area during the day.”