As the moon sets over the Grand Canal, I gaze out the window at the cathedral domes of Venice. They are awash in a soft glow as the tourists settle for the night and the Venetian’s shutter their tiny stores. Though thousands carnival masks and marionette dolls hang in the shop windows, they are now hidden by the darkness as the day comes to a close. It’s late, and for now–it’s time to rest.
My four daughters are settling, freshly bathed, pajamas on. Their hair smells heavenly, wet against my cheek as they hug me goodnight. They climb into their beds in this little apartment in Italy. It’s where we call home right now. On our multi-year journey around the world to 50 countries, few things are ever the same. But when it comes to bedtime, we know to make “home” wherever we are. We attend to the five senses.
Attend to the five senses in the same way each night while you travel. Kids will associate the routine with comfort and predictability after busy days exploring all things new.
Smell
I light a VANILLA CANDLE and gently whisper a request for quiet in the room. I pray our thanks for the adventures we’ve had together, and for the joys and the learnings we’ve shared. The scent of vanilla means it’s now time to rest.
Taste
As each child wriggles her body into a comfy space on her bed, I bring her a small glass of warm MINT TEA. I ask each what she is personally grateful for as she sips her tea. The peppermint aroma is comforting, calming. It’s the taste of bedtime for my kids, anywhere .
Touch
I tuck them in, each with their own COZY THROW BLANKET closest to their skin, familiar. I smile as my youngest brings the corner of her blanket up to her cheek, tucking it under her face as she finds her place on a pillow.
See
I switch on a portable NIGHT SKY PROJECTOR. Two girls giggle as they point out a shooting star. I hear my oldest take a deep breath in. Night is here, and sleep time is hovering in the air.
Hear
I turn on instrumental orchestral MUSIC. It hovers around my sleeping children, the notes mean peace. They are sleeping now, eyelids closed, small movement behind them as they process their day through rest. I smile. It’s a day well lived.
Travel is exhilarating and stimulating even for adults, but for kids, even more so. Rest is key for helping them process what they’ve experienced.
So no matter where you find yourself in the world, attend to your children’s five senses at bedtime and their sleep will be sweet. Then mornings will be more smooth and you’ll be off on your adventures before you know it. Bon voyage!
