For the past five years our closest relatives have lived 4½ hours a way, because of this we travel the distance at least five or more times a year. Keeping our three children, now ages, 2, 4, and 6, entertained has not always been easy. So here are some tips on how to endure and maybe even enjoy the ride.
Timing
Young children often fall asleep in the car. So time your trip to optimize this fact.
Get up early and travel during the morning. When coming to visit me, my sister likes to leave her house at 5am so her kids sleep most of the way.
I know others who like to leave in the evening and drive all night; although this only works if there are two drivers. Then you can take turns driving while the other sleeps.
Since I’m not a morning person I like to leave after lunch, drive during naptime, and arrive just before dinner.
Entertainment
DVD players are good, although expensive to install. You can purchase sets that go over headrests for a lot less money. You could also bring a laptop computer with DVD software and hold it for the kids to watch.
A cheaper alternative is listening to a book on tape. Children can enjoy and listen to a story that is a few grade levels above their reading level. Most libraries carry a variety of children’s or adult’s books on tape. I like to check out adult books for myself to listen when I drive by myself.
Bring toys and books to entertain your child. Paper and pencils or crayons are also great entertainers. Items like Leapfrog, Magnadoodle, and gaming devices can also act as a distraction.
Music is a great entertainer. Bring some good children’s CD’s and sing along with your kids. Older children might also enjoy their own headset and CD player.
Food
There is something about driving that gives people the munchies, kids included. Bring treats like crackers, fruit snacks, pretzels, nuts, dried fruit, and licorice for your kids to eat. You might want a special sweet treat to bring out when they are getting cranky.
Water in spill proof cups or those with pull stop lids are best, juices, milk, and soda make a mess when spilled.
If you are driving during meal times plan to stop or bring food with you. Kids (and parents too) get irritable when hungry. Lunchables make great travel food and are kid friendly.
When traveling with an infant try not to stop unless the baby is awake. You don’t want to disrupt their sleep. If you are bottle-feeding come prepared. If you are breast-feeding plan extra travel time for feedings. If you have other kids have your husband take them out of the car to get some exercise while you nurse.
Car Sickness
My daughter used to scream in the car. My mom suggested she was getting carsick. So we tried giving her motion sickness medicine before traveling. It worked great, the screaming subsided. If you have a child that screams in the car and can’t tell you they feel sick, consider talking to their doctor. For a child that you know gets sick, have them take motion sickness medication, and sit by a window. Bring a bucket with a tight lid just in case it’s needed.
Nothing makes the hours go by quicker than a quiet car, or at least one where the kids aren’t screaming. So be prepared and hopefully your next car ride will be better.