Some people say children and car trips don’t mix. However, if you have a family, car travel is a part of your life. “The goal is the same whether you are driving across town to a ballgame, traveling to visit grandparents a couple of hours away, or starting out on a family vacation,” according to Donna Donald, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension family life specialist. You want to keep the children comfortable, occupied and safe. The result is happier children and less stressed parents.
“The secret is simple – plan ahead,” Mrs. Donald says. Here are some basic ideas for the entire family.
- Dress everyone in comfortable, loose clothing and shoes that are easy to put on and take off.
- Take along pillows and lightweight blankets.
- Rotate where everyone sits to limit arguments about doors and windows. Occasionally put an adult in the back seat.
- Give advance warning before stops so people can finish up activities and get ready.
- Eat at family restaurants and avoid busy mealtime hours if possible.
- Be sure everyone travels buckled up in car safety seats or safety belts – no exceptions!
“I want a drink” or “I’m hungry” are frequent cries. Pack a covered container with water, straws, cupholders, cups, napkins, plates, moist towelettes and trash bags. Water is the best thirst quencher and is easy to clean up after spills. Limit fruit drinks, juice and pop. Finger foods are a good choice. Consider: cereal, crackers, fruit and small cookies. Try to limit the amount of drinks and snack foods. Otherwise the car will be a messy restaurant on wheels and no one will want to eat when you stop for a meal.
Rotate toys and games throughout a trip. Pack some away and trade in “old” toys for “new” ones when you make a stop. Soft toys and books, art kits, magnetized board games, handheld electronic games and tape or CD players with headphones are all good options depending upon the children’s ages. Mrs. Donald says, “Stop every couple of hours to let children run off energy. Pack a few items for active play like a frisbie, ball or jump rope. Time each stop and give a two minute warning to get everyone back in the car.”
A travel diary can be fun for the whole family. Give each member a special notebook where they can write, draw, tape in souvenirs, etc. Suggest they work on the diary after a stop, while waiting for food at a restaurant, or right before going to bed. The diaries can become special reminders of a family trip.
Donald/pc
7/2/2007