[christykay]

I travel quite a bit with my 4 kids (usually alone) and have these tips for you. I absolutely agree with the umbrella stroller and backpack, these are a must! The stroller can be rolled right to the gate which is wonderful, but don't get too attached, like baggage, strollers get the brunt of it when traveling. My kids are now ages 8, 7, 4, and 2 so we don't use the stroller as much anymore. All of my kids now have and wear a small backpack that contain snacks, activities, one stuffed friend and a small blanket. Not only are they responsible for their own backpack, my mommy hint...the backpack weighs them down so they are a little slower on their feet. Because I travel with 4, the older 2 are paired with the younger 2 and we use the buddy system for EVERYTHING. From tying shoes, to reading books on the plane to zipping up jackets. It is really great to use the buddy system with any 2 kids that aren't getting along well. I purposely pair these 2 together, this way it forces them to work together and get along. My last bit of advice is to dress the kids in one bright color. I always use red. My kids have great red dresses, red shirts, and my son even has a red hat that he often wears. Although my kids are great at staying near me while traveling, kids are kids and it only takes a second for a little wandering and by wearing red it is so easy to spot 4 monkeys wearing red. It is so funny to see the reactions on other travelers faces when a mommy and 4 bright kids walk through the airport and onto the plane. The more you travel with kids the easier it becomes, for you and of course the kids. I can't even begin to count the number of flights my 2 year old has taken.