Dear Family Coach: Before our kids were born we dreamed of our family traveling the world together. But every time we go out of town our 1-year-old daughter wakes up every hour all night long. Do you have any tips on how to improve her sleeping habits while we are traveling? — Sleep-Deprived Traveler

Dear Deprived: Traveling with kids, especially infants and toddlers, is challenging, unpredictable, awkward — and worth the effort. A little planning can turn your experience around.

You didn't mention that your daughter has difficulty sleeping at home, so I assume this issue only happens on the road. So, while you're traveling, try and replicate her sleeping environment as much as possible. If she sleeps in a crib at home, have her sleep in a crib while traveling. If you don't normally give her milk during the night, don't start giving it to her on a trip. If you usually sing a song and say a prayer before kissing her to sleep, then do the same on the road. Don't try and rock her to sleep instead. Parents often stress about their children sleeping in a new environment. They assume they'll have trouble. But this fear sometimes drives the parents to act in ways they typically don't. Be aware of this.

One other common stumbling block is sharing a room with your child while traveling. Sometimes it's not possible to arrange separate sleeping quarters, so noise disturbances cause the child to wake constantly. Children get excited to see parents sleeping right next to them. It's tempting to wake up Mom and Dad during the night. So whenever possible create a separate sleeping space. Use a closet or bathroom if that's a safe option. As a last resort, hang up a sheet or some other fabric as a divider between you and the baby. But above all else, relax. This will pass.

Dear Family Coach: It takes my 3-year-old son some time to warm up to people. I'd rather he be this way than approaching everyone he sees and starting a conversation. However, when we are out with Grandma and Grandpa and a friend of theirs comes over to say hello, my son immediately yells and turns away. I've explained to him that it's OK if he's not ready to say hello, but that he doesn't have to raise his voice. The problem is, my father really wants him to say hello to his friends, and he expresses disappointment in my son. How can I help my son warm up quicker or ease the tension? — Shy Kid's Mom

Dear Shy: You should teach your son to be polite. But, at just 3-years old, being polite doesn't include conversing with Grandpa's friends. Adults — and strangers in general — can feel threatening to young children. It's impossible to make nervous children perform in these situations.

Grandparents are wonderful, but they rarely remember child development and what their children were like at a given age. Explain to your father that stranger anxiety is normal in young children. Educate him on ways he can make your son feel more comfortable. Tell him and other adults that it takes your son a bit longer to warm up to people. The best way to get him to loosen up is to s-l-o-w-l-y begin to engage him. Don't push him. If he looks like it's too much too soon, stay close and offer reassurance. If he starts to scream, remove him from the situation for an immediate brief timeout. As soon as he calms down, head back to the group and give him another chance to behave appropriately.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at questions@thefamilycoach.com. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.