Tips for Long Road Trips from Dr. Mom
-February 17, 2010-Comments (0)
Sometimes time spent in the car with children can be stressful. In her February 2010 "Dr. Mom" article, Dr. Marianne Neifert gives parents practical tips for making time spent in the car less stressful. But what about those long road trips? Is there a way to minimize stress and make the trip enjoyable for the whole family? Try these extra tips from Dr. Mom!
Plan ahead. Figure how far you realistically can travel in one day, based on your children’s ages. Schedule regular bathroom and meal breaks, excursions at a park, or fun sightseeing activities.- Promote comfortable sleep. Purchase a car seat travel pillow, child travel neck pillow, and/or car nap pillow. Bring a cozy blanket for each child too.
- Be prepared. In addition to your staple supplies of juice, snacks, extra clothing, and moist wipes, consider bringing convenience items, such as a portable cooler or a portable potty. A first-aid kit is also a good idea.
- Keep your children entertained. Pack a fun and interesting travel kit (a backpack on wheels or a plastic box with a lid) for each child. Along the trip, bring out small surprises for each child: new small toys, books, crayons, coloring books, stickers, or games. Consider purchasing a car seat travel tray or lap desk to give your child a handy place to hold his drink cup, snacks, small toys, or books.
- Invest in “sanity savers.” Countless parents will attest that a portable DVD player can make a long road trip go far more smoothly.
- Divide your parental responsibilities. If at all possible, the driver should not attempt to console, discipline, or entertain the children. An adult passenger, if available, should assume responsibility for the children’s needs. Alternate your roles, if desired.
- Create a children’s road map. Show your home, your final destination, and key land marks on your journey to help your children gain a sense of how their trip is progressing.
- Periodically reward your children for behaving well. Surprise them with a special treat or activity, such as a picnic at a scenic spot or swimming in a hotel pool.
Do you have more ideas for making long trips in the car fun? Share them with us and other ParentLife readers by leaving a comment!
