That’s something parents encourage every day. But then you have to track down the answers! Luckily Nat Geo Family can help with some of the most common stumpers your kids will come up with.
—By Laura Goertzel

COMMON QUESTION #1
WHY DO I HAVE TO GO TO BED?
Children come up with all kinds of excuses to delay bedtime, but scientists know a secret: You can’t get smart without sleep. Show kids why well-rested brains are better equipped for so many things with this fun explanation from the book Why Not? Then inspire a less chaotic bedtime ritual with these photos of sleepy animals.
EXPLAIN BEDTIME!

COMMON QUESTION #2
WHAT SHOULD I BE WHEN I GROW UP?
These videos will introduce your kids to cool jobs they might not even know exist, like spaceship designer, drone engineer, and penguin researcher. Then have them take a just-for-fun personality quiz to see which type of explorer they’re most like.
EXPLORE CAREERS

COMMON QUESTION #3
WHY CAN’T I EAT ICE CREAM ALL DAY?
On those days when “Because it’s bad for you” just won’t do, try this answer that uses simple science to respond to this age-old complaint. This video will show them it could always be worse—at least they don’t have to use a nine-foot-long tongue to get the foods their body needs!
GET THE SCOOP!

COMMON QUESTION #4
WHY DO TIGERS HAVE STRIPES?
Tigers would be in trouble otherwise! Show kids why with this answer from the book What Would Happen? Then have them discover which animal pattern would fit them best with this personality quiz.
GET THE ANSWER!

COMMON QUESTION #5
WHY IS THE SKY BLUE?
Actually, about 2.5 billion years ago the sky was orange! Get a kid-friendly explanation for why the sky looks the way it does today, then send your curious kids on a fact-finding mission to space.
EXPLAIN IT ALL!

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One of the most beloved travel personalities from the NatGeo channel, Julia Dimon. Even better we did this on a boat! We are going to be doing a live remote with her from the deck of the cruise line in Los Angeles to talk about tips on cruising and how to travel with kids when on one.
Overall 2012 Cruise Trends
Planning the trip
•    Plan to stay at a nearby hotel the night before departure to minimize the stress and risk of missing the ship due to travel delays.  Be sure to choose a hotel that has free transfers to the pier as well.
•    Think about whom you are traveling with and the amenities you will use the most when picking your cabin. On larger ships, make sure stay close to stairwells and elevators, as it can be a long walk to everything.
•    If you’re traveling to the Caribbean or Bahamas, pick a cruise that has a visit to a cruise line’s private island. The private island stops are often cruisers’ favorite parts of the trip.
Traveling with children
•    Select a cabin on the deck close by to the kid’s program area and the pool.
•    Make sure to take advantage of the child programs so you and your spouse can enjoy an adult evening (or two) out at one of the specialty restaurants.
•    If you have small children and are not carrying on luggage, pack a carry-on with sunscreen and bathing suits, as several hours can pass between checking in and the arrival of luggage.
Cruising in a group
•    If you are traveling with more than 3 guests, think twice before you try to fit everyone into one cabin. You may be able to find a combination of two cabin categories that still fit within your budget and deliver a much better experience.
Onboard
•    If you plan to dine in any of the alternative dining restaurants, book in advance if possible, or as soon as you get onboard – same goes for spa appointments and shore excursions. Consider the ship times in port when making reservations too. Sea days are the toughest to get reservations for anything, so book those first. Some cruise lines offer discounts on services on the days the ship is in port.

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