So, this is it and you’re finally on your way – your long-awaited holiday has arrived. You and your family are bursting at the seams to get on with your trip and start making memories. Standing in your way between here and there, though, is the beast otherwise known as the car ride. We’ve probably all heard the old saying, “Getting there is half the battle”, but for those traveling with young children, it may feel more accurate to ponder “getting there” as the whole battle. Everyone is excited, emotions are soaring – the kids, probably restless in expectation, seem to tire of the trip faster than you can get out of your own neighborhood.
So, what’s a family to do when facing hours in the car? How do you get to where you’re going without ‘losing it’ along the way?
Here are a few parent-tested and approved tips to get you going in the right direction:
Get started early
If you can get a few hours of your trip under your belt before the kids are up and moving, it will be better for all involved. If your child is not the kind to fall back asleep, this might not be the best method for you. Otherwise, this is a worthwhile consideration. Who knows, by the time the kids are awake and asking for breakfast, you could be halfway there.
Make things comfortable
If you are planning a getaway in the middle of the night, make sure to take pillows and blankets along for the ride. If you are not planning to leave until later in the day, having these on standby can still help to keep the peace – after all, who doesn’t like to create a makeshift fort during their travels?
Pack for success
If it’s packed well, your travel bag could become your new best friend. A beloved doll, coloring books and crayons, a favorite book, or anything else you see your little one reaching for on a daily basis should go in this bag.
Food
This is a big one for most families. Food can pass the time and even bring a moment of peace among siblings, so make sure that their favorite treats are on board before you head out of the door. You might want to be frugal with the beverages, though, as this could add quite a few unexpected stops to your already long journey.
Electronics
These get a category of their own. While you might not want to ease your child’s boredom with screen time, it can be a helpful way to divert their attention for a while. If you’re looking to keep screen time under control but are met with tantrums when their time is up, try granting your child access to their electronics for a set time before planned stops on your journey. Taking a break from both the car and electronics can make the transition to self-entertainment easier.
Bouncer
While it’s wonderful to have a bouncer with you once you’ve arrived at your destination, it can also be helpful at rest stops. The adjustable baby bouncer is particularly valuable because it folds easily for storage when not in use and also enables your baby to come to table-level when you all stop for a quick bite to eat. This allows your little one to rest comfortably in their own chair. And you won’t have to worry about what germs may or may not be on that high chair standing next to the garbage can in the corner.
Car games
Car games really can be the masters of distraction. There’s the radio game, where you hit scan and guess the name of the song and the musical artist – one point for each – before the radio changes channels. There’s also the alphabet game, where, starting with the letter ‘A’, you each race to find a sign with your corresponding letter. The first one to reach and complete the letter ‘Z’ wins the game. Another favorite is the story game, where one person starts to tell a story and then passes it along for the next person to continue, and so on. This one is usually good for a few laughs.
Car holidays with young children can be quite challenging, but they don’t have to stress you out. With some planning, patience and flexibility, you might find that these car journeys can make the best memories, too.
