This time of year most families venture away from home…meaning a road trip with kids.  

Whether it’s an hour down the road to San Antonio or a two-day drive to Florida, holidays often mean driving.  Here’s a few tips and tricks we have to get you to your destination with your children and sanity in tact.

driving with kids

1.  Snacks:  Keep snacks mess-free (no chocolate if you can help it), novel (special stuff they don’t normally get to eat), and plentiful.  On almost every trip we’ve taken with the kids, food is the answer to most crisis in the car.  This applies for momma, too.  (Did someone say sour-patch watermelons???)  One snack that will certainly keep your kids busy is a cereal necklace.  Let them both make it AND eat it!

2.  Keep liquids to a minimum:  Whether your child(ren) is potty-trained or not, stops only prolong getting to your destination and almost ALWAYS take longer than expected.  Avoid unnecessary potty breaks/diaper changes by limiting how much they drink.  Rationing water (juice and soda seem to speed through my children’s diuretic systems) in their own cups is a good idea…that way, when they’re out, they’re out.  Too harsh?  Maybe…but for kids older than 4, this strategy is effective.

3.  iPads, DVD players, etc:  If you know you’re going to be in the car a while with your kids, take a media hiatus a few days prior…so when you’re at your wits end and need to pull out a Sophia episode, the kids will be so excited that they’ll forget their thirst, their need to potty, that he touched her stuffed animal, that they’re uncomfortable, etc. etc. etc.  Make sure to stock up on media that is new and fresh, as well.

4.  Personalized bags:  We let each one of our children pack their own “carry on” bag with whatever they want.  I don’t even supervise or edit.  One time our daughter packed her American Girl doll.  That was it…which made it really hard for me not to step in.  She felt so empowered choosing her own possessions to bring.  Surprisingly, her singular choice went a long way toward her contentment and self-entertaining.  Also, having their own pillows and blankets work wonders when sleepy time comes.

5.  Good attitude:  As parents we all dread the long car ride with the kids.  Even if you are the most prepared you can be, bumps in the road will surely come up (pun-intended).  Our kids feed off of our own attitudes, so try your best to keep a good sense of humor and a loving demeanor no matter what.  Looking back, you’ll be happy you kept your cool.

6.  Fun music:  I totally forget how much kids love to listen to their own choice of music.  Sometimes it’s Veggie Tales, sometimes it’s Taylor Swift, and sometimes it’s ACâš¡DC.  Let them choose the music and rock out with your little ones.  Not only will it help pass the time, but it’s always great for your kids to see you letting loose with them!

7.  Games:  For older ones, car games are the best!  Remember all those you used to play as a kid?…the Alphabet Game, 20 questions, Would You Rather, Mister Fibb’s Closet, etc.  For the younger car-riders, bring along little grabs from Target’s dollar spot.  Also, Pinterest has fabulous “busy games” for toddlers if you’ve got the time in advance.

8.  Over-prepare:  Pack extra of everything…diapers, wipes, undies, food, sippy cups, patience, sanity.   You’ll be so glad you did when those bumps in the road come along…which they most definitely will.  We took a three day road trip to Disney a week after I potty trained my third daughter.  Let’s just say no. 2 was really important on that trip, however, extra panties proved to be a must!

9.  Take advantage of stops:  Even though it might go against your parenting methods, let you kids run wild and free (within reason) when you stop for breaks.  Let them run, jump, act crazy and get all the wiggles out before having to sit in the car again.  Not only can they stretch their legs, but also get some of that pent-up energy out.  Just take a deep breath and tell yourself it’s okay to be the mom with the obnoxious, running, crazy kids for just a little bit.

10.  Start saving now to fly next time around.  🙂  Ha, just kidding…No, not really.  Save now, fly later.  You’re welcome and good luck.

How do you survive car trips with your kids???

 

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