How to Keep Your Young Child Happy on a Charter Bus

Will your next Washington, D.C. area charter include children? If your toddlers or preschool-aged children will accompany you on your next bus tour, take a look at the simple steps that can make your on-the-road adventure easy.

Bring Along Extra Entertainment

Even though you're excited about the upcoming tour, your three-year-old may not feel the same way. If you have concerns about your child's ability to handle a long bus ride or if your child has a highly energetic temperament, bring along some extra entertainment. These items can help your child to stay busy and may redirect their excess energy:

• Tablet . A tablet with your child's favorite movie already downloaded or a few educational apps can entertain your toddler or preschooler during down times.
• Picture books . If you prefer to keep your child away from extra screen time, pack a few picture books instead of a tablet. Gather a selection of favorites and new stories or choose books that coordinate with the trip's theme.
• Play clay . Soft play clay is a no-mess way to keep little hands busy and redirect energy. If you have concerns about the clay landing on the floor or on the seats, keep it in a clear plastic zipper baggie. Your child can still squish, squash, and manipulate the clay through the bag.

What happens if you don't want to tote a bag of toys with you on the bus? A tablet, books, clay, and other items from home aren't the only options.

Choose a Bus with Amenities

How can you keep your child busy on your bus trip without bringing half your home along? Book a charter that already comes with kid-friendly amenities. These may include:

• A DVD player . Choose a family-friendly film to show during the charter trip.
• Multiple monitors . Make sure the charter has monitors throughout the bus. This makes it easy for your child to watch the movie.
• WiFi . If your child wants to use your smart phone (or if you do bring a tablet), WiFi makes it easier to watch, play, and browse during the drive.

Now that you have the entertainment covered, you can turn your attention to other bus rise issues to consider when traveling with children.

Plan for Your Child's Needs

While entertainment and the ability to redirect excess energy are important, your child has other needs. As you plan for these needs, consider:

• Does the bus have a restroom? Now that your young child is potty trained, you need to make sure there are facilities nearby all the time. Instead of asking to stop every time your child needs the facilities, book a charter with emergency restrooms.
• Does the bus allow food? Will your child need a snack or a mini meal during the drive? If you aren't scheduled to stop for lunch or dinner, make sure it's acceptable to bring snacks with you.
• Does your child have somewhere to eat? If the charter company does allow food, your child may need a flat surface to eat their snack or meal. Bring along a portable travel table for your child.

Along with these basic needs, bring along a spill-proof cup or water bottle for your child.

Discuss the Rules

You understand how to act during a group charter ride. But does your child? Don't expect your toddler or preschooler to instinctively know the rules of the road. Before the bus ride:

• List the rules . Create a list of rules (such as sit in your sit or use your inside voice) for your child.
• Ask your child to repeat the rules . After you say each rule, ask your child to repeat it back to you.
• Role play the rules . Act out the bus ride beforehand. This will help your child to better understand the rules in a concrete way.

If your child doesn't respond well to a discussion, try an art activity. Have your child draw or paint a picture of themselves on the bus - following the rules.