1. Build up positive anticipation.

As soon as I bought the tickets three months ago, I began to talk about the trip with Lia. I told her all the fun stuff we’d do when we reached the destination. 

Since she needed summer clothes anyway, I also took her shopping and told her she could wear all the cute new t-shirts on our trip. Lastly, I followed the advice on this article and showed her pictures of the hotel where we’re staying. 

Despite the fact that reaching our destination involved grueling travel time, Lia remained excited knowing about the fun things that lay in store. 

2. Never travel alone.

Although I’m a single mom, I make sure that I never travel alone. I’m pretty sure if I needed to, I could handle it. However, it’s much less stressful to travel with a family member or a close friend. So if you’re planning a trip with a child under six, don’t go alone if it’s not a necessity. Besides, unless your destination is Ponca City, Oklahoma, I’m pretty sure you won’t have a problem getting someone to volunteer to voyage across the country with you.

3. Keep Calm.

When your child seems like he or she is on the express train to crazy town, remember to stay calm. Our reactions to their behavior strongly affect the way they continue to act. 

So when Lia started spinning around and nearly running into businessmen on their way to oh-so-important destinations, I didn’t yell (even though I wanted to). I remained calm and reminded her that we needed to stand still so that other people weren’t bothered. It took her a minute, but eventually she stopped spinning and began sticking her Beanie Baby down the back of my shirt instead. 

Hey, I’ll take this over the glares of Donald Trump Jr. any day.

4. Help out your fellow parents.

If you’re having a pretty easy time of it at the moment, stop and look around. Chances are there will be another parent struggling to keep their tot in tow while juggling three pieces of luggage. Pick up the bag that crazed looking father just dropped. Or help out that mama carrying both a stroller and a car seat with a baby in it. Who does she think she is, Batman?

They’ll be so grateful for your help, and they might even be there for you when it’s your turn to ask for a hand with something.

5. Make an itinerary.

The days of hopping in your car and traveling to the ends of the world with no plans are long gone, Sister. 

As much as we may not want to, it’s time to become like a Joan Cusack character and get a little anal. So research that hotel you’re staying at. Print out maps. Ask questions. 

Of course, not everything will go according to plan. However, knowing where you’re going and why you're going there will help you stay stress-free when your toddler asks for the billionth time, “What next?”

6. Have fun.

You’re going on vacation! Now’s not the time to worry about whether or not your child will suddenly become a heathen and throw her poop at the hipster behind you. Do what you can to keep your kid happy, but don’t stress. Use your imagination when they start to get bored or scared and race with them down the terminal or stand by the windows with them to watch the planes take off. 

This is your time with your kid, and this is cause for joy not worry.  We’ll worry enough when they’re teenagers. For now, let’s just relax and enjoy the ride.