Bringing along some kid-friendly art supplies can help pass the time during those endless days of traveling. Whether heading to the beach, the airport, or the living room for some socially distanced family time, think about adding a portable art kit for your children that will provide fun, learning - and entertainment.
Why Portable Art Kits for Children's Travel Days Are Worth Considering
Art is a powerful tool for self-expression and creativity. It can also promote fine motor skills, language development, critical thinking, and more. When stuck at home or headed on a road trip, art can also be a great distraction for curious little hands and minds. As children use scissors - sponge-stamps, and markers, they're also building important fine motor skills needed for writing, tying shoes, buttoning shirts - and more.
Many art projects require children to think creatively and critically, problem-solve, and use their imaginations. As they create, they can learn to identify and express their feelings and develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments. Whether messy or tidy, art projects can keep kids occupied for longer than you might expect. And while preparing for a day of outdoor learning or a long trip - remember that crayons, coloring books, paper, and other art supplies aren't included in the TSA's list of prohibited items.
Baby-Friendly Supplies That Survive Chewed Crayons and Messy Eats
If you have a baby, chances are you have already discovered how much they enjoy exploring different textures - such as the smooth surface of a mirror or the squishy consistency of kinetic sand. Babies love to learn about the world around them through sensory exploration. They discover how things feel, smell, look, taste, and sound to gain information and form new ideas and understandings.
But there are some infant-friendly activities to try - including stick-on jewels or mirrors . You can also offer nontoxic, washable crayons, markers, or paint.
To protect your tables, use a plastic tablecloth or large piece of cardboard. Cardboard is also easier for babies to grip than paper - so set aside some boxes from your last online order and watch as your child finger paints, scatters confetti, or squishes kinetic sand. If it's warm outside, set up a shallow tray or small kiddie pool filled with water for easy cleanup. Be sure to closely supervise any activity your baby is doing, especially ones involving water - small objects, or sharp items like scissors.
Screen Time Tips and Age-by-Age Screen-Time Guidance
A 2016 survey of Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) members found that parents sought advice about their children's screen time in four main areas: duration, setting limits, the effects on health and well-being and optimal content. Although there's no research suggesting that using media to occupy children on long car, bus - train, or plane rides causes any harm, here is what experts currently know:
- Only 15% of preschoolers met current Canadian Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for the Early Years, which recommend limiting screen time to less than one hour per day.
- Active Healthy Kids Canada reported in 2014 that children 3 to 5 years old spend an average of two hours per day in front of screens.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children younger than two years avoid screen media exposure, with the exception of video-chatting with friends and family.
- The AAP recommends that parents of children ages two to five years limit screen use to one hour of high-quality programs per day - choosing viewing that's educational and developmentally appropriate.
Common Sense Media is a helpful resource for selecting high-quality, age-appropriate content for children's screen time. Experts suggest balancing screen time with other activities that promote physical activity and social interaction, such as playing outside, reading books, playing card games - or doing a scavenger hunt.
Planning Ahead With All-Day Activities for Curious Kids
Nursery rhymes, songs, and games can keep kids occupied and engaged for long stretches of time. Think about downloading a few extra stories or episodes of Peppa Pig before starting a road trip or heading out to the park. Snakes and ladders, Operation, Uno - and riddles can provide all-age fun.
And don't forget board books, picture books, activity books, crossword puzzles, "I Spy -" "20 Questions," and making up stories together. If you'll be traveling by car or plane, make sure to pack some activities that kids can do on their own or with minimal supervision, such as coloring books, activity books - stickers, window markers, Magna Doodles, kinetic sand, Play-Doh - small figurines, blocks, Lite-Brites, card games
Further reading
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11658160/
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title8/agency20/chapter780/section430/
- https://www.familiesgotravel.com/2019/12/best-travel-kids-arts-crafts/
- https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/center-of-excellence-on-social-media-and-youth-mental-health/qa-portal/qa-portal-library/qa-portal-library-questions/travel-and-screen-time/?srsltid=AU7gw4WWzmPLQRqXQUv1jyfd2OpAG5z_fQRU_wSMK94-4V1ZZD9zSIBK
Disclaimer
This article is a personal reflection shared for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. For your own situation, please consult a qualified attorney.
