Traveling with a toddler can be an incredible experience as you take your mini-me around the world. Of course, it doesn’t even have to be around the world. It could just be a short trip to the next town over, or to a park in the neighborhood. Either way, watching your kiddo explore and navigate the world is wonderful.

While introducing your child to different cultures, food, places, and people is fun, it is also exhausting. This can inevitably lead to dreaded tantrums, which are one of the most challenging things to deal with in a public setting. On top of all the other stressors that come with traveling, having your child throw a tantrum can send any of us over the edge. No matter how well-behaved your child generally is, an unfamiliar environment and a change in routine can set them off, especially when coupled with tiredness.

Managing a tantrum at home is one thing, but how do you handle one thousands of miles away? Here are some helpful tips to follow:

1. Remember that your child is making adjustments in real time. Travel, with all of the unfamiliarities, can be overwhelming for all of us. So, imagine how daunting it can be for small children. Understand that tantrums are not always bad behavior, but a child struggling to express feelings they don’t yet know how to manage.
2. Don’t let your embarrassment control how you respond. My wife and I absolutely hate inconveniencing other people. So, when our kiddo throws a tantrum, we get anxiety from the embarrassment it causes us. When your child starts crying in a public setting, whether a restaurant, store, or any other place, it can make you self-conscious. However, don’t let these embarrassing feelings cause you to do something you will regret. Your priority at this time is your child. So, take a deep breath and help your child settle down. If you can move to a more private area, do so. Don’t worry about winning a parenting contest. Just focus on your kiddo.
3. Know when to take a break. While you may want to see as much as possible while traveling and book a full itinerary, remember that your kiddo does not understand schedules and reservations. They need rest, so definitely build these periods into your schedule. Also, be ready to be flexible, because you never know when your child will have had enough.
4. Remain calm, even when exhausted. Your child will feed off your energy, so if you remain calm, the more likely you’ll be able to calm your child. It’s easy to lose patience when you’re tired, sick, burned out, or in pain. Remember, though, that your child is still learning to manage their emotions, so maintaining a calm presence can help them feel safe and supported, even if you can’t get them to stop crying immediately.

As fathers and parents, we often feel responsible for making sure everything goes perfectly smoothly all the time. But guess what? Traveling with a kiddo brings in a lot of unpredictability, so let go of the idea that everything needs to be perfect. We can’t control every situation or our child’s emotions. We can simply control how we respond. We can’t control the tantrum, but we can help our children navigate difficult moments while being their safe space. Remember, traveling with a toddler takes patience and flexibility.