Some people say children and car trips do not mix. However, for most families, car travel is part of life, says Donna K. Donald, an Iowa State University Extension Family Life Field Specialist. With a little planning, traveling with children can be a positive experience for everyone.
“The goal is the same whether you are driving across town to a ballgame, traveling to visit grandparents a couple of hours away for the weekend or taking a family summer vacation,” Mrs. Donald said. “You want to keep the children comfortable, occupied and safe. The result is happier children and less stressed parents.”
The ISU Extension Specialist offers the following suggestions for successful traveling with children:
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Infants and toddlers: Infants need food, supplies and toys. Keep a container filled with baby food, spoons, moist toilettes, formula and sterile water in the car. Add diapers, extra clothes and blankets. Simple toys are a must. Give one toy at a time to offer enough variety to hold an infant’s attention. Toddlers have short attention spans, so rotate games and toys throughout a trip. Pack items in the trunk and trade in “old” toys for “new” ones when you make a stop. Soft, felt activity books and cloth picture books are especially good.
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Preschoolers: “I want a drink” or “I am hungry” are frequent comments from preschoolers, so take along water, straws, cups, napkins, plates and trash bags. Water is the best thirst quencher and is easy to clean up after those inevitable spills. Limit fruit drinks, pop and juice. Children will drink a lot of these, which translates into frequent potty stops. Finger food is a good choice. Consider things like cereal, crackers, fruit and small cookies. Try to limit the amount of snack foods eaten. Otherwise, the car will be a messy restaurant on wheels, and the children won’t want to eat when you stop for a meal.
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School-agers: Good options while riding in the car for this age group are turn-and-spell type games, an art kit and magnetized board games. A travel diary is a fun activity. Get each child a special notebook so he or she can write, draw, tape down souvenirs, etc. Suggest they work on the diary after a stop, while waiting for food to come at a restaurant or before going to bed. Stop every couple of hours to let children run off some energy. Pack a few items for active play at rest stops like a Frisbee, ball or jump rope. Time each stop and give a two-minute warning to get everyone back in the car.
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Teenagers: A player with headphones is a must so teens can listen to music or books. Older children, teenagers and even adults can be kept amused for quite a while playing some traditional travel games. These include state games (spot license plates and name the capitals), an alphabet race (find letters of the alphabet, in order, on signs) and the “I’m going to …” game (fill in the phrase “I’m going to Grandma’s and taking my _____” with each letter of the alphabet). Make up your own rules and variations.
The whole family will be happier if they dress in comfortable, loose clothing, Mrs. Donald continued. For everyone’s benefit, take along pillows and lightweight blankets. Rotate where everyone sits to limit arguments about windows and doors, and put an adult in the back seat occasionally. Give advance warning before stops so everyone can finish up activities and get ready. In addition, eat at family restaurants and avoid busy mealtime hours.
“And one more thing,” Mrs. Donald said. “Be sure everyone travels buckled up in car safety seats or safety belts — no exceptions or excuses.”
dd/bmr
8/5/2009