The MomSpeak

One of the most popular topics on Parent Hacks is the fearsome intersection of children and air travel. Most of us have an “if-it-can-go-wrong-it-will-go-wrong” story about that time we took the kids on that cross-country flight that got delayed, and it was IMPOSSIBLE to get the car seat buckled in, and then there was turbulence, and the sippy cup leaked all over my lap, and remember that monster diaper blowout?

Yeah. That story.

Some kids are natural born travelers, but most have a hard time with the waiting, unpredictability, and discomfort that comes with every flight. So before your next trip, make a few simple preparations that will make the experience a lot easier for everyone:

Pack smart snacks.

Novel snacks have magical tantrum-diffusing properties. Not that I’m suggesting you bribe your kids with Twinkies or anything, but a well-timed snack (given out before everyone is grumpy and ravenous) can often head trouble off at the pass. Pack stuff that’s not crumbly, not sticky, and not smooshable.

When it comes to my own holiday traditions, my fondest memories are of those involving the various ornament making sessions with my mom and my younger brother. Each year, my crafty and creative mom would pull out a bunch of organized craft supplies and we’d create everything from beaded Christmas balls to mini-gingerbread ornaments, all of which she’s since saved and now uses to decorate her tree every year.

So as my children get older and can actually do more than just make a gigantic mess, I’ve started my own tradition of yearly ornament making. But for someone whose craft closet contains nothing more than crayons, construction paper, and a few glue sticks, the idea of making ornaments can seem like a bit of a far stretch. However, I’ve found plenty of super simple ones that require nothing more than a few simple supplies and your kid’s little hands to create – no hot glue guns, special tools, or a sewing machine.

And whether you give the ornaments as gifts, hang them on the tree, or toss them in the “ornament retirement home” (ahem), it’s the time you’re spending with your kids that can be the best part of all. Well, at least until they start fighting.

Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments

Just combine cinnamon and applesauce until it forms a dough, roll out between two pieces of wax paper, and use your favorite cookie cutters to create different shapes. Make sure to poke a hole for the ribbon, and the let dry for around 5 days. No extra decoration necessary!

Did you hear? The United States is in economic crisis, and much of it has to do with credit. That is, buying stuff with someone else’s money hoping you can pay it back later. Which sounds a lot like what my nine year-old son tries to do with me: “Pleeeeeease can you buy me Super Mario Giganto Turbo Supernova III: The Adventure Continues? I’ve got the money! I’ll pay you back!”

Um, no. In fact, my saying no is part of an important financial lesson: you can only buy something if you can pay for it. In this case, I meant it literally — he needs to bring his wallet along if he wants to buy something. But it also applies to the notion of saving one’s money for future purchases.

It’s just one lesson along the way to my son’s understanding of the fundamentals of money management. It’s more important than ever for kids to learn how to make money, how to save it, and when (and on what) to spend it.

My little sister had her first baby a few months ago. I flew across the country to visit her recently, and did all the things you do with a new mom: showed her how to put whiskey on the pacifier, locked her in the garage while he “cried it out,” encouraged her to give up breastfeeding because it was so inconvenient.

And on the second day, we went to The Great Big Baby Supply Store and spent too much money buying baby clothes at the retail price.

If there’s one lesson I taught her, it was to never buy clothing or other children’s supplies at the retail price. There’s no need. Not with all those sales, end of season clearances, coupons, giveaways, and discount codes out there!