- 1). Enroll your child in introductory Spanish classes if you have the time and opportunity to do so. Young children often have an easier time picking up a foreign language than teenagers and adults do, so your child may quickly pick up enough Spanish to communicate well in Mexico.
- 2). Use your public library. Look for books and videos about Mexico and its people targeted to children, and enjoy them with your child during the months leading up to the trip. This will not only help your child be prepared for what to expect, it will build her excitement and anticipation of the coming trip.
- 3). Pack food. If your child is a picky eater, he may have difficulty with the options available to him in Mexico. While areas that are used to catering to tourists may have U.S. chain restaurants, many locations will only offer local cuisine. Even if your child likes Mexican food, it is unlikely that what he's used to having is very similar to the authentic offerings of this country. Encourage him to try new foods and be adventurous, but having some snacks on hand that he's used to will help you prepare for any difficult hungry days that may still come up.
- 4). Make a contingency plan to deal with the possibility of your child getting lost. If possible, give him a cell phone that he can call you with, but make or buy a carrying neckstrap for it to allow him to keep it under his clothes and avoid losing it. Also, be sure he has memorized a few Spanish phrases he can use to get help from strangers, such as, "I"ve lost my parents, but I don't speak Spanish. Please help me." What sorts of people you should ask your child to approach is a matter of personal judgment: Police officers in Mexico have a reputation for corruption, so you may consider other options, such as telling your child to approach a mother with children of her own.
- 5). Prepare for using Mexican public restrooms. Mexican public restrooms are often different and more difficult to navigate than those in the U.S. because they do not stock toilet paper (or give patrons small amounts), may not have plumbing systems that allow for flushed paper, may not have wash stations and generally require a fee for use. Deal with these issues by having on hand as much small change as possible and carrying packages of facial tissue, hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- 6). Take steps to prevent contracting amoebic dysentery from the water. Consider taking and giving your child probiotic supplements before and during your trip, as these can strengthen your digestive system against pathogens. Drink only bottled water (bring an emergency supply with you) or filtered water served at establishments that cater to U.S. tourists. Always ask that your water be served without ice and avoid letting your child eat uncooked vegetables unless you have purchased and washed them yourself. Also, prevent your child from swallowing water while showering by taking baths or giving him a piece of hard candy to suck during shower time.
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