Keeping Kids Happy During Car Rides
Friday, October 17th, 2008Would you rather undergo a root canal than face just a few hours in the car with your children or grandkids? Anyone who has traveled any distance with squirmy, whiny kids, knows the challenges involved with keeping them happy. We’re here to offer come basic suggestions to making those unavoidable trips more peaceful and enjoyable for everyone.
Get the kids’ input. If they’re old enough to tell you, ask them well ahead of time some of the things they would like to do in the car. Let them each have a small back pack with a few familiar things that do not have small pieces. Older kids may choose to chill out and listen to music or just “do their own thing”.
Map it out game. To peak your children’s interest about the trip, show them a map and follow it together in the car. You could make it more interesting by drawing your own map with landmarks that they will see along the way. Photos could be found on the Internet, printed and pasted for the kids to enjoy. This activity may help the children learn names of places they have been and look forward to arriving at the next landmark.
The best time to start out. If you have young child who will sleep in the car, you may want to start the trip just before nap time or in the evening when the child is tired from the day’s activities. If your child will do better to nap at home and then travel, follow that course of action. It’s about the best experience possible for all.
Surprise the kids. Shop ahead of time and pick up a toy, book or stuffed animal that you can bring out when the time is right. Choose items that are age appropriate, have no small pieces and will keep their interest. Don’t hesitate to choose games that require the adults to interact with the kids—these can be lots of fun. Always bring paper and pencils for free-hand drawing or playing games.
Snacks are a must. Hungry kids (and adults) can be cranky no matter where they are, so don’t forget to pass out the snacks. Setting ground rules about healthy or at least non-messy snacks is a good idea. Purchase items ahead of time and pre-wrap for handing out individually. Pack a trash bag for discarding used snack items. Kids like opening their own pack of food and juice boxes. The Gap and Old Navy sell spill resistant clothing so the kids arrive at their destination as good as new. Or bring along a laundry pen for on-the-spot stain removal.
Take breaks often. Build into your traveling schedule extra time for stops—lots of stops. It’s good for all to get out and stretch legs and run around a little. The driver will feel refreshed and the kids will welcome the opportunity to get out of the car and burn off some energy. If you’ve ever unexpectedly encountered traffic moving at a crawl, you know that frequent bathroom breaks can really pay off in these types of situations.
Just in case. Packing an emergency kit and travel aids is a great idea. Having band aids, antibiotic cream, thermometer, bug spray, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and calamine lotion on hand could come in handy and prevent having to stop at the drug store.
Families traveling in their automobiles will increase dramatically as we approach Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season. It’s a time of year that we all look forward to. If you and your family must travel by car, we hope the above tips will help you enjoy the journey almost as much as you will enjoy your destination!