Traveling with a Child is a Journey of Empathy

I thought traveling with my child would be smooth—fun, even. I imagined picturesque moments, laughter, and seamless transitions. But reality? It was difficult.

We don’t travel often, and when we did, my child wasn’t used to new places, new faces, or a shift from her familiar world. She withdrew, cried, threw tantrums. At first, I felt irritated, even embarrassed. I wanted this trip to be a break for me, but instead, I was navigating meltdowns in an unfamiliar setting.

Yet, something shifted. Instead of holding onto frustration, I saw things through her eyes. Her world is built on routine—her grandparents, her school, her safe little bubble. Suddenly, she was in a different place with different people, and it was overwhelming.

So, I adjusted. I found ways to make the trip enjoyable for her, offering little moments of familiarity amidst the newness. I carved out time just for her—watching her delight in a playground, get mesmerized by the waves by the beach, and find her rhythm in this new environment.

By the time the vacation ended, I realized something profound. Just as I long for a break from routine, she is still learning to cope with change. And all she needed was a little empathy.

Traveling with a child isn’t just about getting from one place to another—it’s about meeting them where they are, holding space for their emotions, and making the journey just as meaningful for them as it is for us.

PS: Here is a picture of my husband patiently walking her by the beach while I breath some mindful moments of tranquility.