Episode 13 - I specifically trained my kid to be an iPad kid for this purpose

Packing Chaos, Airport Survival & Traveling with Neurodivergent Kids

This week, Alisha and Rhiannon are in full pre-Bali countdown mode.

With 34 solo mums and their children joining the annual Solo Mum Society Bali trip, the conversation starts exactly where you'd expect: doom piles, overpacking, last-minute hyperfocus, welcome packs, and wondering whether a third suitcase is really necessary.

But what begins as a chat about packing quickly turns into an honest and practical conversation about traveling as neurodivergent adults and raising neurodivergent children.

From airport overwhelm and sensory challenges to carry-on essentials, screen time guilt, travel anxiety, and keeping kids entertained on long-haul flights, Alisha and Rhiannon share the real-world tips they've learned through years of traveling solo with children.

They also discuss:

• Why some children become anxious about flying
• Airport and airplane hacks that genuinely help
• Managing sensory overload while travelling
• The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program
• Packing strategies for ADHD brains
• Flying with children who need routine and predictability
• Why comfort matters more than looking put together
• The travel gear they've tested (and the gear they regret buying)

Whether you're planning your first family holiday, travelling solo with kids, or simply trying to survive airport chaos without a meltdown, this episode is packed with practical advice and plenty of laughs.

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💡 What We Talk About in This Episode

• Preparing for the Solo Mum Society Bali trip
• Hyperfocus, procrastination and last-minute packing panic
• Overpacking versus realistic packing
• Flying with children who are anxious about airplanes
• Ear pain, travel anxiety and sensory concerns
• Carry-on essentials that actually matter
• Why snacks solve almost everything
• iPads, screen time and long-haul flights
• Airport hacks for neurodivergent families
• The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard
• Compression socks, travel pillows and comfort strategies
• Travel prams, ride-on suitcases and luggage recommendations
• Choosing seats on planes with children
• How to make travelling easier for yourself, not harder

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🔑 Key Takeaways

• The best packing strategy is often comfort over perfection.

• Travelling with children becomes easier when you stop trying to entertain them with 50 different activities and focus on what actually works.

• Snacks can solve more travel problems than most parenting books.

• Neurodivergent travellers often benefit from planning for sensory comfort before problems arise.

• Airport stress is often reduced when systems are simplified and hands are kept as free as possible.

• There is no prize for travelling uncomfortably. Pack the pillow, blanket, headphones or support items if they help you arrive feeling better.

• The "perfect" travel setup is the one that works for your family.

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✈️ Travel Hacks Mentioned

For Kids

• Download favourite shows before you leave
• Pack more snacks than you think you'll need
• Bring familiar comfort items
• Consider ear pressure aids if flying anxiety is an issue
• Use activity packs, colouring or magnetic games for airport downtime
• Choose flight times that work with your child's energy levels

For Parents

• Wear compression socks on longer flights
• Bring charging cords in your carry-on
• Pack noise-cancelling headphones
• Keep your hands free whenever possible
• Consider luggage that opens easily during flights
• Board early if it reduces stress
• Prioritise comfort over appearance

For Neurodivergent Travellers

• Look into the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program
• Plan for sensory needs in advance
• Reduce unnecessary decisions while travelling
• Build recovery time into your itinerary
• Give yourself permission to use accommodations that help

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👩‍👧 Who This Episode Is For

This episode is for:

• Solo parents who travel with children
• ADHD and neurodivergent parents
• Families preparing for holidays
• Parents of anxious travellers
• Anyone who feels overwhelmed by airports
• People who always pack too much and still forget something important

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💬 A Message From This Episode

You don't need to be the perfectly organised traveller.

You don't need matching luggage, colour-coded packing cubes, or a Pinterest-worthy itinerary.

You just need a system that works for you, your child, and your nervous system.

Because arriving slightly overdressed, carrying too many snacks and surviving the flight is still a win.

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📲 Follow & Connect

Follow along for behind-the-scenes Bali adventures, travel updates and future episodes:

@motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered

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• ADHD in women
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• Travel and family life
• Emotional regulation
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