Traveling with children is a whole other ballgame. While creating core memories with your kids can be one of the most mutually fulfilling experiences, it doesn’t come without its challenges. Beyond preparing to adapt your schedules and itineraries, it’s also crucial to consider the possibility of homesickness while traveling, which can happen at any age.
“Homesickness in children during travel often arises from the abrupt separation from familiar environments such as their home, school and neighborhood,” says Sanam Hafeez, M.D. a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend The Mind.
She explains the sudden disruption of routine and structure, which children typically rely on for security, can contribute to feelings of unease. Coupled with the absence of familiar faces that provide comfort and reassurance, like friends from school or family members you’ve left behind, it’s no wonder homesickness is common for kids on the road.
Hafeez adds that “The fear of the unknown aspects of travel and overstimulation from new experiences can heighten feelings of stress and homesickness in children,” which can result from exposure to unfamiliar destinations with different cultures, languages and customs that induce anxiety and longing for the familiar.
Luckily, there’s lots you can do (and buy!) to ensure your child feels like they’re at home away from home, whether they’re toddlers or tweens.
The best products to ease homesick kids
Gund Designer Pups Collection Nayla Cockapoo Plush Toy Amazon According to the psychological theory of transitionality, transitional objects like plush stuffed animals may help bridge the gap between children and their mothers to create a feeling of safety and comfort. “The soft texture and scent of these objects can be soothing,” says Hafeez. “In unfamiliar environments, these items act as portable pieces of home, offering a sense of continuity and stability. This familiarity can ease the discomfort associated with new places or situations. These items can serve as effective self-soothing mechanisms, helping individuals, especially children, manage their emotions independently. If your little one doesn’t have a comfort stuffed animal already, be sure to gift them this plush puppy well in advance so they have a chance to develop a relationship with it. It may even help them feel connected to their live furry friend back at home! $20 $18 at Amazon $20 $18 at Walmart
Custom Catch Personalized Baby Blanket Amazon Sleeping in an unfamiliar place can be especially hard for children. To ease this discomfort, Hafeez suggests making your vacation arrangement comfortable and reminiscent of home, which may include something like a blanket they’ve had for a while. If your trip is still months away, gift them this personalized fleece blanket with a satin trim that you can then easily pack in your luggage. With their name emblazoned on the front, they’ll feel like the coolest kid on the block (or boutique hotel). $22 at Amazon
Urban Infant Pipsqueak Small Pillow Amazon If your child’s favorite pillow has reliably helped them fall asleep in the past, be sure to bring it along for the ride. But if said option prevents you from having enough room for their clothing or toiletries, invest in this toddler-friendly washable travel pillow with a cotton-blend material and plush polyester fill. Bonus points for grabbing one in their favorite color. $12 at Amazon
Peter Pauper Press Kids’ Travel Journal Amazon Hafeez recommends including your child in the trip planning process ensuring you discuss the destination, activities and itinerary with them. “Involving them gives a sense of control and helps them anticipate and understand what to expect,” she says. With this child-friendly planner, you can have them jot down ideas of what they’d like to see or experience during their trip to better emotionally prepare them. Complete with puzzles, games, maps and drawing prompts, it also serves as a fantastic journal to help them process their feelings mid-trip. $13 at Amazon $12 at Walmart
Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock Amazon Maintaining a routine at home is just as crucial for kids as it is during your travels. “Consistent mealtimes, bedtime rituals, and other daily habits can create a reassuring sense of predictability for the child,” says Hafeez. The Underscored-approved Hatch Restore 2 alarm clock has several features that offer a level of comfort like soothing lights during wind-down periods before bed to gentle alarm clocks to get them excited for a new day of exploring. Its minimalist design and detachable power cord also make it plenty packable and portable. $200 at Amazon $200 at Hatch
A Little Book About Home Amazon This book makes for the perfect bedtime read for your little one during their travels since it teaches us that home is more than just a place — it’s a feeling we carry with us each day, a person we feel close to and any place that makes us feel safe. Complete with vivid imagery and easy-to-read fonts, this literary tool is a carry-on must-have for your little one’s first-night and first-flight jitters. $15 at Amazon $13 at Lalo
Printique Mini Softcover Photo Book Printique The unfamiliarity of your child’s travel experience might have them longing for close connections and a supportive network back home, which Hafeez says can strengthen their sense of identity. If that’s the case, they’ll appreciate this travel-friendly customizable photo album they can flip through whenever they need a boost. Plus, its mini size is super packable while its soft cover feels comfortable in their little hands. “Photos provide a tangible link to loved ones, which fosters an emotional connection, says Hafeez. “Seeing familiar faces can evoke positive emotions and a sense of comfort even when physically separated. In situations where older children are away from family and friends, having photos can help alleviate feelings of loneliness.” Similar to transitional objects, she says photos can offer comfort and a sense of security wherein older children may find reassurance in knowing that their loved ones are a constant presence in their lives — even when they’re a plane ride away. From $15 at Printique
Looking for a new credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored Money chose as its best travel credit cards.
12 travel products that can ease your child’s homesickness
2 COMMENTS
LEAVE A REPLY
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on College sports giants struggle to get a bailout from Congress as athletes push for employee status
on Johnny Knoxville Talks Jackass Stunts And How They Compare To Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Work
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on Lake Tahoe officials tackle overtourism with focus on management, not marketing; new fees may loom
on Massive $1,260,000,000 News Strikes Wrexham’s New League Days After Ryan Reynolds’ Side’s Promotion
on Florida athletic board bans transgender volleyball player from HS sports for a year, school fined
on Daniel Cormier joins the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 alongside NFL legend Drew Brees
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Arsenal highlighted for spending 26 seconds taking corner v Everton – Sky Sports’ tweet backfires
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on As more abortion bans occur, many patients must travel hundreds of miles for care – or be stranded
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on Erdogan to attend Turkey-Netherlands Euro 2024 quarterfinal amid diplomatic row with host Germany
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Gymnastics GOAT Simone Biles Poses With the First American Woman to Land Highly Distinguished Job
on NASA and SpaceX Crew-6 Mission: Experiments Could Reveal Extraterrestrial Travel’s Health Impacts
on Arsenal highlighted for spending 26 seconds taking corner v Everton – Sky Sports’ tweet backfires
on Britney Spears And Sam Asghari Both Seen Without Wedding Rings As Singer Vacations With Her Manager
on Southwest Airlines made $683 million in Q2, as a hectic summer travel season led to record revenue
on Georgia Senate passes sports betting bill, but odds dim with as constitutional amendment required
on Arsenal highlighted for spending 26 seconds taking corner v Everton – Sky Sports’ tweet backfires
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Exercise Scientist Reveals an Unlikely Benefit of Using Creatine: “Many People Did Not See Coming”
on Southwest Airlines made $683 million in Q2, as a hectic summer travel season led to record revenue
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on 2023 NBA playoffs: Scores, results, series schedules, times as Clippers steal Game 1, Nuggets cruise
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Katherine Paprocka allegedly embezzled nearly $600k from school for family vacations, IVF treatment
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on Not to be missed on Netflix is a romantic and light film that will make you travel through time
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on Mad Dog’s
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on Billionaire Vince McMahon Once Spent a Whopping Amount of $175,000 For Brock Lesnar’s Convenience
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Cruise guest gets stuck on ‘claustrophobic’ water slide suspended over ocean: ‘That is super scary’
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on EXCLUSIVE: Former KBM Crew Chief Makes Revelations About Kyle Busch but Keeps Hush About KBM Sale
on College basketball rankings: Virginia joins preseason Top 25 And 1, ready to contend for ACC title
on Drawing Comparisons to Stephen Curry, Stephen A. Smith Lauds Caitlin Clark for Achieving a Rare Feat
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Inside Floyd Mayweather’s Lavish Lifestyle: A Look at His Stunning Car Collection and Private Jet
on A bearish options trade that pays off if hotel stocks start to feel a travel slowdown like airlines
on Johnny Knoxville Talks Jackass Stunts And How They Compare To Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Work
on Braun Strowman Reportedly Set for WWE Return Abroad on Promotional Tour After 6 Months Out Injured
on Lake Tahoe officials tackle overtourism with focus on management, not marketing; new fees may loom
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on Cruise guest gets stuck on ‘claustrophobic’ water slide suspended over ocean: ‘That is super scary’
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Cruise worker accused of stabbing woman and 2 security guards with scissors on ship headed to Alaska
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Johnny Knoxville Talks Jackass Stunts And How They Compare To Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Work
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on ‘1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Is Still ‘Too Large’ to Fly in a Plane Despite All the Weight Loss
on Cruise worker accused of stabbing woman and 2 security guards with scissors on ship headed to Alaska
on ‘1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Is Still ‘Too Large’ to Fly in a Plane Despite All the Weight Loss
on Johnny Knoxville Talks Jackass Stunts And How They Compare To Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Work
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on Quite Possibly The Most Elite Travel Credit Card One Can Have: What On Earth Is The Amex Centurion?
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on ‘1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Is Still ‘Too Large’ to Fly in a Plane Despite All the Weight Loss
on Quite Possibly The Most Elite Travel Credit Card One Can Have: What On Earth Is The Amex Centurion?
on ‘1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Is Still ‘Too Large’ to Fly in a Plane Despite All the Weight Loss
on Quite Possibly The Most Elite Travel Credit Card One Can Have: What On Earth Is The Amex Centurion?
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on ‘1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Is Still ‘Too Large’ to Fly in a Plane Despite All the Weight Loss
on Dead Reckoning, a video shows the behind the scenes of the incredible upcoming film SparkChronicles
on Dallas Cowboys Will “Bring You Nothing But Bad Luck”, Sports Media Vet Warns Luka Doncic’s Mavericks
on ‘1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Is Still ‘Too Large’ to Fly in a Plane Despite All the Weight Loss
on Lake Tahoe officials tackle overtourism with focus on management, not marketing; new fees may loom
on Erdogan to attend Turkey-Netherlands Euro 2024 quarterfinal amid diplomatic row with host Germany
on College sports giants struggle to get a bailout from Congress as athletes push for employee status
on Bryan’s Breakdown: Tracking high-impact winter storm late this week; bitter cold Christmas weekend
on Johnny Knoxville Talks Jackass Stunts And How They Compare To Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Work
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Gravitas Ventures Acquires North American Rights To Distribute Julia Camara Thriller ‘Stronghold ’
on 2024 College World Series: Jac Caglianone keeps Gators alive with homer despite short pitching start
on College basketball rankings: Kansas helps Big 12 lead conference race for most Top 100 And 1 players
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on ‘1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Is Still ‘Too Large’ to Fly in a Plane Despite All the Weight Loss
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on 2022 LIV Golf in Jeddah: Schedule, field of players, prize money, purse, live stream, watch online
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Erdogan to attend Turkey-Netherlands Euro 2024 quarterfinal amid diplomatic row with host Germany
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A missile fired by Houthis strikes a US-owned vessel off Yemen in the Gulf of Aden, raising tensions
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on “Bro Is Jogging”: Resurfaced Video of Usain Bolt’s 9.84 Seconds Run, Leaves Sports World in Denial
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on LIVALL Showcases Smart Helmets For Cyclists And Commuters At Pepcom Holiday Shopping Preview Event
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Mission: Impossible review: The new version makes it clear what these movies have always been about
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar stabbed multiple times at Florida federal prison: AP sources
on Lake Tahoe officials tackle overtourism with focus on management, not marketing; new fees may loom
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on How The Other Half Fly: VistaJet Goes To Enviable Lengths To Make Air Travel Better For Your Body
on Following Exchange With Caitlin Clark At News Conference, Columnist Won’t Cover Indiana Fever Games
on Lake Tahoe officials tackle overtourism with focus on management, not marketing; new fees may loom
on Air Force vs. Utah State live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Disney Cruise Line Announces New Fireworks Show and More Details About ‘Silver Anniversary at Sea’
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on Southwest Airlines made $683 million in Q2, as a hectic summer travel season led to record revenue
on Cool classes on the Cape, a winter fest in Portland, and personal alarms for travel and daily life
on Friday’s preholiday travel breaks the record for the most airline travelers screened at US airports
on Lawyer Slams ‘Falsehoods’ About Katie Holmes as $400K Child Support from Tom Cruise Will End Soon
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on ‘1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Is Still ‘Too Large’ to Fly in a Plane Despite All the Weight Loss
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on Kate Middleton’s ‘Important Skill’ She’s Spent Years Perfecting Could Save the Monarchy, Expert Says
on New Orleans Saints: Team shredded over free agency decision that smacks of ‘roster mismanagement’
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on How my Apple Watch proved the ultimate travel necessity when I spent a week halfway around the world
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Yemen Houthi rebels fired an Iranian missile at Norwegian-flagged ship, debris analyzed by US shows
on Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on Mass outage affecting Windows hosts causes global travel chaos, hits financial, healthcare networks
on Top Gun: Maverick’s Director Reveals Which Scene From The Tom Cruise Sequel Was The Hardest To Film
on When Asked About Tropic Thunder 2, Robert Downey Jr. Makes A Good Point About Himself And Tom Cruise
on US soldiers drugged, kidnapped by Colombia crime ring led by man nicknamed ‘Harry Potter,’ DOJ says
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Dead Reckoning, a video shows the behind the scenes of the incredible upcoming film SparkChronicles
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dangerously cold temps continue to blast much of the US, keeping schools closed and flights grounded
on Make NFL football office pool picks at CBS Sports, vie for guaranteed prizes during the 2023 season
on U.K. giving Ukraine long-range cruise missiles ahead of counteroffensive against Russia’s invasion
on Top Gun: Maverick’s Director Reveals Which Scene From The Tom Cruise Sequel Was The Hardest To Film
on Upcoming Apple iPad models hinted in code leak, including a new iPad Mini and M5 Pro sporting model
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on If Tom Cruise Ever Gets A Theme Park, Here’s What Movies Should Get Their Own Rides And Attractions
on New threats closing in on college sports, including an antitrust lawsuit to force TV revenue sharing
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on World’s Busiest Airport: Which Airlines Operate The Most International Flights To & From Atlanta?
on A bearish options trade that pays off if hotel stocks start to feel a travel slowdown like airlines
on Erdogan to attend Turkey-Netherlands Euro 2024 quarterfinal amid diplomatic row with host Germany
on Donovan Mitchell will be extra motivated to carry the Cavaliers, plus other best bets for Tuesday
on Death toll from Ian, storm-caused flooding crosses 50 people; remnants to dissipate over Virginia
ucuz vds satin al
ucuz vds satin al