Jet Lag leaves adults tired, cranky and many times, physically ill. For children the adjustment from one time zone to another is even more difficult. Young children, especially, are very sensitive to any changes in their schedules and react poorly to sudden time differences.

Avoiding jet lag for your children makes good sense for everyone.

If traveling by air, try to travel during your child’s normal sleep time in the new time zone. It is likely they will nap during part of the trip.

Push fluids. Keeping well hydrated will go a long way toward alleviating symptoms of jet lag. Water is best, sports drinks are good, but avoid carbonated sodas.

Avoid junk foods. Sugar and high fat carbs like cookies and chips will make blood sugar unstable and make your child more fussy. At the same time, try to keep the child’s diet as close to normal as possible.

Try to get your child prepared for the new time zone by adjusting their schedule gradually over a week or two before the trip. If this is not practical, have your child go to bed in line with the new time zone the day before the trip. When you arrive at your destination, let them nap, but keep them on the new time.

Physical activity will help your child’s body deal with the jet lag. Take them for a walk around the new city, a swim in your hotel pool or let them run through a park when you get to your destination. It will also help to let your child walk around on the plane often.

Parents should remember jet lag effects adults and children equally and that children are not as psychologically able to push past the physical effects. Children may need extra nap time for a few days upon arrival at the new destination.

Thank you for taking the time with My Musical English to learn more about how we can take better care of and educate our children – insuring our future.

Sincerely,

The My Musical English Team

For more information on how Musical English is scientifically designed to help your children learn, better, faster, and more efficiently, and may ultimately increase IQ, EQ and more, check out our main site www.MyMusicalEnglish.com. Classes are now available in the greater Los Angeles area through My Gym and several other preschools and Montessori’s. Please see available classes here, or contact My Musical English to learn how to start a program in your school now!

 

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