All this warm weather has me thinking about vacations. My last post was about camping and my suggestions. This post is about the joy of taking a road trip with your child.
As a single parent of an only child I think my road trips are easier in some ways but harder in others. Easier because Hailey has no one to fight with, that also means she has no one to play with, sing with or just in general entertain each other. All those car games are much easier when there is more than one person actively looking for the item. As the driver I’m usually too focused on not getting lost to be much help so Hailey quickly loses interest.
I’m lucky because Hailey is a good traveler. She will read for hours and doesn’t get car sick. Here is my list of things not to forget on a road trip with children:
1. Baby wipes, lots and lots of baby wipes. These are great for clean ups in the car and also because you can’t always count on restrooms being fully stocked.
2. Drinks. Drink boxes and pouches are great but make sure you throw some water in there, all that sugar and a long car ride can make your child sick.
3. Snacks. Try to find things that are not sticky and will not melt. Also look for things that you are going to be ok with if your child makes a meal out of it. Granola bars, crackers, and the like, only need vacuuming when the kids grind them into the carpet, and they will.
4. Something new, if at all possible. For Hailey it was a book, but I know lots of kids get carsick so they can’t read on trips so maybe a fuzzy, funny looking ball the kids can play hot potato with, or a new matchbox car. Whatever your child enjoys that is inexpensive and portable will do.
5. Allow plenty of time for pit stops. It really helps if the kids can get out of the car, chase each other around for a few minutes and maybe browse a roadside gift shop.
6. Trash bags. I always forget these and swear next time I will remember, never happens.
7. Your sense of humor. It’s going to be too hot/cold, loud/quiet, boring, long, and crazy, but it will be funny if you allow yourself to see the humor in it.