As any parent knows, a long car trip with kids can be a nightmare for parents. It doesn’t have to be, though. With a little planning, a long car trip can be an enjoyable experience for the grown-ups and the little ones. The key to making a long car trip pleasurable for everyone is to plan ahead. It is important to remember that kids may not be able to patiently sit for hours at a time. They also require more bathroom breaks than adults do. Plan extra time in your schedule to allow for more frequent stops. If you have very young children, then pulling into a rest-stop for a quick run to the bathroom every four hours will not do. Plan to stop every two hours. Try to stop at places that have a play ground. If you can’t find a park, then plan on a quick trip to McDonalds or another fast-food chain with a play area. You don’t have to fill-up on greasy food, but the adults could enjoy a coffee break while the kids play for few minutes. If you must use public rest areas, then try to find ones that have picnic areas. If you let the kids run around a bit, then they will be less fidgety when you do get back on the road. Older kids may not require a stop every two hours, but the trip will be easier for them if they are allowed to play when you do stop. Take a Frisbee along, and enjoy a short game during breaks. If you are traveling in scenic areas, then you should be able to find look-out points that make rest stops. Many of these have walking trails which allow the entire family to stretch their legs. You may be surprised by how much more enjoyable this makes the trip for adults, too. It is always a great idea to take along snacks and drinks. This will cost less than buying them along the way, and it will prevent stopping as often. Be sure to avoid any snacks that are sticky and ones that will melt. Do not bring chocolate, fruit chews, or sugary candy. If you do, then save those for snacking outside of the car to avoid messes. Good ideas for in-car snacks are Teddy Graham or Goldfish crackers, dry cereals, or beef jerky. If these items end up in the seats or floors, they can be vacuumed up easily. Stick with clear drinks such as water or Sprite. Don’t forget to bring along some entertainment. A long car trip with kids can turn into torture for everyone if you only rely on the radio to occupy the entire group. Most kids today have some sort of portable music player. Make sure that each child brings theirs, and don’t forget the headphones. Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society
