We did many long train journeys when my boys were young.  I am not going to lie it wasn’t always easy.  You might recall an earlier post I wrote about surviving train journeys with children, there were times when we would be proper stressed out!  But we eventually found ways to make the experience more manageable.

Travel Off-Peak

If you buy anytime tickets you have the flexibility to travel when you want.  My advice would be to travel at an off-peak time.  Then you should have space on the train to spread out.  It’s easier if you manage to grab a table seat, then you can get out items to entertain your children.

We have been on packed trains before and its not been fun.  My youngest was playing up and we had one person tutting disapprovingly.  Eventually they even changed carriage.  It’s not enjoyable when you feel like you are being judged harshly like that.  I think some people have forgotten what it’s like to have young children.

Entertainment

I can’t stress how important it is to come prepared.  Keeping children occupied for hours on end is exhausting, so plan ahead.  Think about what you can bring that won’t disturb the other passengers too much either.  Leave those noisy musical instruments at home for everyone’s sanity!  Instead bring learning books, colouring and simple games.  We have even packed playdoh before, but that can get messy!  Now the boys are older we tend to bring a pack of cards and a book for them to read quietly.

However, don’t feel guilty giving them a little screen time either.  It will give you a break if they have a film to watch with headphones in or a few computer games to play.  Save this as a last resort if boredom is setting in or you are starting to feel frazzled after too many games of noughts and crosses.

Give Them the Window Seat

It’s amazing how long children will enjoy watching the view.  If that starts to wear thin there are always games of eye spy to play.  Just don’t pick something that whizzes past too quick before they get a chance at guessing!  If you do that, they soon get frustrated and grumpy.  Or alternatively buy the Collins Michelin i-SPY On a Train Book (£2.99) it has 140 different things they can spot!  Completing the book will give them real purpose on the journey and require minimum input from you.

Pack Snacks

Try and pack some healthy snacks.  If you have a long journey ahead and give them too much sugar it won’t end well! Veg sticks, fruit and rice cakes are all wholesome and filling.  You will need to pace access to the snacks otherwise they will try and eat them all in one go!

Reward Them

I read this suggestion in the “Are We There Yet?” article in the Guardian.  I am not sure how I feel about this approach.  But I have done a version of it a few times myself.  I think we gave out very small monetary sums if they were the first one to spot a dog or a cat etc.   This can backfire though as it did for the subeditor in the article who was giving out 50p with each Eddie Stobart lorry sighting.  £34 lighter she arrived at her destination!  So, if you plan on trying this think about using coppers!

Hopefully these few tips will help you with your next few train journeys with kids.