How to Survive Road Trips with Kids

Whether it's going to see the grandparents or visiting a favorite vacation spot, families must sometimes travel many miles on the road together. Parents often dread having to take these long car trips, but if you plan ahead using these tips, you can survive road trips with kids. You might even enjoy it and make some great family memories!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience, patience and more patience
• Motion sickness medicine for children (and a small paper or plastic bag, just in case)
• Favorite pillows and blankets
• DVD player and new DVDs
• Audio books
• Snacks and drinks
• Favorite toys for imaginative play
• Small surprises from any dollar store (bring these out over the course of the trip)
• Things to do at a rest stop (bubbles, Frisbee, jump rope)

1. 
   Leaving early gives you a head start on road trips

   Leave early. Most children will sleep in the car if they are at all tired, so bring soft blankets and comfy pillows for each child. Getting them out of bed and into the car at 3 or 4 in the morning will give you several hours of uninterrupted, quiet driving time. Family trips that begin this way are off to a great start! Just make sure the driver is well rested and alert.

2. 
   Frequent stops give everyone a chance to kick up their heels.

   Plan your road trip with plenty of breaks. If a trip requires 6 hours of driving time, count on at least 9, and possibly more. Why? Because frequent stops are what make long car trips bearable for the young ones. If they can get out and stretch their legs at a rest stop, family trips will seem a lot shorter to them (and to the rest of the family as well). Be sure to bring fun stuff to do at a rest stop, like blowing bubbles, playing Frisbee or jump rope, or drawing a hopscotch court.

3. 
   Stock up on DVDs and audio books on CD

   Use a DVD player. This is really a lifesaver, and they are super affordable. If you can't afford one, try to borrow one from a friend. You will not regret it! Also, buy or borrow some new DVDs, and plenty of them. You can also supplement or replace the DVDs with audio books on CD borrowed from the library. Family trips give you a chance to revisit classics that appeal to all ages. You might try Mark Twain, Jane Austen, Rudyard Kipling, or Robert Louis Stevenson.

4. 
   If you can avoid medicating, so much the better.

   Don't count on coloring books or hand held video games. Although some children tolerate these really well, they often cause motion sickness. So be prepared: these activities may not pass as much of the time on road trips as expected. There are homeopathic remedies and over-the-counter medications for motion sickness, but it's better to avoid the illness in the first place, if at all possible.

5. Imaginative play works great in the car. Whatever your child's favorite doll or action figure, the car can be a great place to create their own stories with their favorite characters. Maybe they can take their own road trip! If an adult joins in the fun along with the kids, they will enjoy it even more.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you and your car are prepared for any road emergency, with all necessary supplies on hand (spare tire, cell phone, cash). Family trips are not the time to discover that it's time to service the engine.
• Do not drive when you are tired. Pull over at a rest stop if necessary.

[jcrush]

on 3/29/2009 I didn't know that the psp's or other games and coloring books would cause motion sickness. Wow, well now I know better ways to survive road trips with kids. Thanks Trina/*****

[athenenoctua]

on 2/26/2009 These all worked for me. Good advice. 5*

[goldandsilver]

on 2/25/2009 A DVD Player is a lifesaver on a road trip. Good information!

[BellaCasa]

on 2/23/2009 Great tips for a fun, yet stressful time! 5*

[ReuseItAll]

on 2/16/2009 All terrific tips! If you plan ahead you'll survive the ride and it might even be pleasant!! :)