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How Kiwi parents keep calm and carry on

Travelling toddler tantrums: how Kiwi parents keep calm and carry on

Wotif research shows distraction and the magic of the Wiggles are family favourites

Auckland – Tuesday 26 July 2016

From the highs of family holiday fun, to the lows of an unpredictable toddler meltdown, new research by Wotif.co.nz reveals Kiwi families are well versed on travelling tantrums, with one in three (32%)* Kiwi parents admitting their toddler has had a meltdown while on a holiday.

Hot spots for toddler tantrums

When it comes to the worst possible location for a toddler to have a meltdown while on the road, public places with large crowds topped the list for Kiwi parents.

1: During a cultural performance (33%)

2: In a popular restaurant (22%)

3: In an airport (11.5%)

4: In a long line for a ride (8%)

5: On an organised tour (6%)

Toddlers can really test our patience when they have a meltdown during a holiday, however Wotif travel specialist, Kim Stockham, says planning the right destination and travel schedule can make a big difference.

“As well as planning a trip that includes rest-points and child-friendly moments, choosing a destination and accommodation which ticks the boxes for parents and toddlers alike allows for a happy holiday for all.

“Parents with young children can’t go past family favourite destinations such as Fiji, Gold Coast or Rotorua. Whether you are after a resort with a kid’s club, swimming pool, babysitting services, or even room service for when you want the occasional night in, Wotif.co.nz offers families plenty of choice across thousands of hotels worldwide”.

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Deep breathing and distraction the name of the game

While it’s safe to say there’s no ‘one trick wonder’ for dealing with a toddler tantrum while travelling, Kiwi Mums and Dads offered their best ideas, ranging from the very popular technique of quick-thinking distraction through to the least popular stern worded conversation.

The top five ranked ways of coping with a tantrum while travelling:

1: Distract them with another activity (60%)

2: Take them away from the situation (52%)

3: Have a toy, book or treat on hand to cheer them up (41%)

4: Stay calm and ignore the meltdown (26%)

5: Tell them off immediately (7%)

Being well prepared with a variety of toddler-taming items can help either minimise or help avoid tantrums. Top tips from Kiwi parents included:

1. Download videos, e-books or games onto your tech devices

2. Tap into in-flight entertainment to keep the kids busy

3. Pack favourite toys and books from home

4. Ensure snacks are close at hand.

Welcome onboard The Wiggles

According to Wotif.co.nz research, one in three (35%) parents would like to be seated next to The Wiggles while in the air, with the colourful children’s group emerging as the number one ‘entertainers’ parents would like to keep their kids happy during a flight.

The UK’s kind but firm Super Nanny took out second place (22%) while an All Black player (10%) rounded off the top three choices, especially for Dads, who preferred the boys in black to any other option.

According to Wotif.co.nz travel specialist, Kim Stockham one of the great joys of travelling is that you never know who you’ll meet, or be sitting next to on a plane.

“Kiwi dads told Wotif that they dream of having an All Black sitting next to their child. We suspect dads cheekily want to meet them as much - or more than – their kids!”

Established in New Zealand in 2003, Wotif.co.nz is a leading online holiday site, with one-in-four Kiwis having travelled with Wotif since 2000. Wotif offers travellers access to millions of rooms, hundreds of airlines and thousands of destinations locally and around the world, with real hotel reviews from more than 9 million travellers. Travellers can access special package savings if they combine a hotel and flights in the same booking on Wotif.co.nz.

ENDS


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