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Family
vacations and getaways can be great fun, and are the memory-makers
of childhood. But let's face it: there's no such thing as
a stress-free trip with children. Changes in our routine can
make us humans quite anxious. Here are some valuable hints,
some of them learned the hard way, to help smooth the bumps
in your road this summer.
1.
First off, recognize that we parents set the tone for
the family trip. Kids seem to react off of our lead. Make
a deal with your mate ahead of time to do whatever you can
to keep a calm atmosphere. Play out possible scenarios: the
kids are fighting in the back seat...what do you do? The plane
is late, or the accommodations aren't what you expected. How
will you handle it? Agree to be flexible...it is the key to
a good journey. Take along some Rescue Remedy ( Nelson Bach,
Inc.). A few drops of this flower essence tincture under your
tongue, followed by a deep breath, can do wonders for your
nerves. Drop it on the inside of your child's wrist and see
her calm down too. For even stronger relief, take along some
Kava Kava, the anxiety tamer, for adults only.
2.
Dealing with motion sickness: Ginger is our pal here.
Try to find some Ginger candies (spicy, but very effective)
and bring along ginger capsules for older children and grown-ups.
It seems to work best when 2-3 capsules (fresh freeze-dried
is most potent) are taken one hour ahead of travel time, and
repeated during the trip. In a pinch, open a capsule and rub
it on your gums. If boating is on the agenda and you tend
toward sea-sickness, look at the horizon line, not at the
water below, and stay in fresh air. Applying pressure to the
inside of your forearm, about 2 inches above the wrist crease
also helps by stimulating acupressure points which calm queasiness.
3.
To avoid fatigue: Take along some packets of Alacer's
Emergen-C ™ for a quick pick-me-up for all. Useful anytime
energy fades, after being in the hot sun, on the airplane,
or if diarrhea or dehydration occur. Avoid caffeinated drinks
when you travel. They are dehydrating, especially on a plane,
and cause too many pit-stops on a car trip.
4.
Travelling out of the country? We highly suggest grapefruit
seed extract to ward off bacterial contaminants from foreign
food and water. A recent study showed this natural substance
to be more powerful than bleach against giardia, strep and
other microorganisms. In tablet form, find Source Naturals
Citricidex™, or liquid Nutribiotic™ drops to put in your drinking
water.
5.
Odds & Ends: In addition to a natural sunscreen, plenty
of healthy snacks, lip balm, some tea tree oil (doubles as
antiseptic/natural bug repellant) & Band-Aids, I never travel
without the homeopathic Arnica Montana for bumps, bruises
and sore muscles from that family bike ride you thought you
were in shape for. Better yet is BHI's Traumed ™ , a NSAID
like ibuprofen but without the side effects. Bring a blanket
with you, even if you're traveling by plane. It makes easily
into a bed for a youngster and helps keep away the drafts.
Try
to remember that traveling as a family will have its high
points and its low points, just like any ordinary day in the
life of parents and children. Keeping things light, being
prepared herbally, and taking some deep breaths can go a long
way to creating memories you will laugh about for years to
come.
Jill
Ruttenberg is a writer, an herbalist and founder of Red Mt.
Remedies, makers of herbal kits for home and travel. See Red
Mountain at www.redmtremedies.com
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