Some train journeys include a long pause at a station. Children who have been sitting for hours are usually desperate to move. A short walk along the platform is the ideal answer. It costs nothing, needs no equipment and can make the rest of the journey much calmer. With a little care, it is safe and enjoyable too.
Making the most of the stop
Before stepping off, make sure everyone knows how long the stop is likely to last and where the train will be. Agree that nobody wanders far, and pick a landmark such as a bench or a pillar as the limit. Keep the group close together and stay within sight of your carriage door. That way nobody will worry about being left behind.
Turn the walk into a small game. Children can march to the end of the platform and back, or count the lamp posts and the benches. Younger ones enjoy pretending to be trains, puffing and chugging as they go. Older children may prefer to stride out at speed or look at the departure boards. Everyone can shake off the stiffness of sitting.
Take care near the edge of the platform. Ask children to stay well back from the track and to hold hands with a grown-up when a train passes. This is a simple habit that becomes second nature with practice. Explain it calmly before you get out, not in a rush at the door. Children usually respond well to clear and friendly instructions.
Use the walk to look around. Notice the signs, the clocks, the pigeons and the people hurrying past. Children love watching the bustle of a station, and it makes the stop feel like part of the trip. You can also stretch your own back and breathe some fresh air. A change of scene helps adults just as much as children.
Head back to the train in good time. Give a friendly warning so nobody is caught out, and count everyone as they climb aboard. Settle into your seats with a drink and a quiet moment. The next part of the journey will feel fresher and shorter.
