The Whole-Brain Method for Traveling with Children

The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson has revolutionized the way that we think about parenting. It offers sound data on early childhood brain development. What’s more, it applies this knowledge to real-world parenting scenarios so that you can turn your child’s next meltdown into a win-win for everybody. But did you know that its principles also apply to traveling with children?

Here’s a breakdown of how you can use the guidelines of The Whole-Brain Child to make traveling with children go more smoothly.

Your Child’s Brain on Travel

Travel’s a fun, exciting experience, right? It allows children to learn through the exploration of sensations, images, feelings, and thoughts. On the other hand, from your child’s point of view, it can also feel confusing and overwhelming. It involves different places, new smells, foreign languages, and unprecedented experiences. That’s a lot for a developing mind to grasp.

So, how do children’s brains handle travel? Often, they perceive it differently than we do. They haven’t developed the same cognitive maturity and emotional control to self soothe—like we can! And they will turn to you – the parent – for guidance. Let’s delve into a little neuroscience to better understand a child’s brain on travel.

Your Child’s Developing Brain

The human brain can be divided into two distinct hemispheres: the “logical” left brain and the “emotional” right brain. According to Siegel and Bryson, it’s also useful to think about your child’s brain as organized into the “upstairs brain” and the “downstairs brain.”

On one hand, the “upstairs brain” handles sophisticated thought processes and analytical reasoning. On the other hand, the “downstairs” brain handles primitive, reactive mental functions. So, when your child feels upset and overwhelmed (a.k.a. on the verge of a meltdown), they react from the primitive part of their brain. In the blink of an eye, your child morphs from slightly perturbed into a screaming, “tantrummy” toddler because they didn’t get the in-flight drink they wanted. Or, their favorite binky is missing. Sound familiar? Their downstairs brain is in full and total possession of the situation.

Transitioning from the Downstairs to Upstairs Brains

So, you’re mile-high in the sky dealing with a mid-flight tantrum. How do you respond according to The Whole-Brain Child? Start by soothing their right brain through emotional connection.

Give them a loving touch. Show some empathy. Validate their feelings. Comfort them.  Once your child feels calm, they’ll become receptive to appeals to their logical “upstairs brain.” Then, it’s time to use techniques like redirection, storytelling, and rewind and remember to turn the situation around.

Redirect children by helping them recognize how they can make amends. Or, encourage their logical side by asking them to tell a story about what’s upsetting them. Storytelling helps kids use their words and feel more empowered.

Finally, there’s the “remote of the mind” technique. Help your little one pause, rewind, and fast-forward through a difficult situation. These metaphorical steps let you lead your child through the act of processing a challenging moment. The reflection will connect them to their left brain and help them make better decisions.

Traveling with Children

Traveling with children can feel like a nightmare when something goes wrong—like a mid-flight meltdown. But simple techniques from The Whole-Brain Child can provide you with the tools to neutralize a reactive situation and turn it into a win-win. What’s more, the act of traveling allows your children to practice using their upstairs brains. It allows them to learn through the exploration of sensations, images, feelings, and thoughts.

Interested in learning more about the benefits of travel with kids? Not sure how to find family-friendly adventures your whole family will enjoy? We’ve got you covered. Follow our blog to stay on top of family vacation advice and ideas.

At Our Whole Village, we create meaningful adventures carefully designed for families who want to create lasting memories while making a difference. We’re here to help you and your family experience the world, its peoples, and cultures. Contact us today to learn more about the unforgettable experiences that we handcraft for families just like yours.