Dear Dorie,

I am a working parent and I have to travel a lot. I am called to Europe at least twice a year. I’m considering bringing my family with me on the next trip. My husband would be able to sightsee with the children during the day and I’ll be done by late afternoon. I have a preschooler and a second-grader that would miss a week of school. Is it worth it?

- Traveler Trial



Dear Traveler,

There are two camps of response regarding the benefits of international travel for young children — one believes that disrupting a regular schedule of sleep, meals, school, etc., is counter-productive to healthy development and should be avoided at all costs. The other believes that exposure to different cultures, worlds, routines, etc., is a valuable opportunity and helps teach adaptability.

Here’s the thing. Most children can be categorized as flexible, fearful or feisty. This kind of huge trip (and Europe is huge for a little one) is a great opportunity for a flexible or feisty child. However, a fearful little one will need to be older to make it worthwhile.

Given that, you should go for it BUT give yourself a few ground rules. If the children get upset because of jet-lag or water changes, etc … you may not lose it. If your nights are disrupted and that throws your workday routine off … you may not lose it. Finally, if the whole family has a wonderful time and asks to do this every trip … you may not lose it. Good luck.

- Dorie

(Dorie Meek is director of the Infant & Family Support Program, provided by Saint John’s Health Center in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Meek answers questions concerning children ages birth to 5 years old. Submit your questions to “Dear Dorie” at meek@smmusd.org, or call 310-452-6132; fax 310-452-6392.)