Planning Holiday Road Trip

Kids have it harder but safer now than we did. When I was young, what were seatbelts? There weren't any in the rear of the car. As unsafe as it was, we had the run of the car and could work out our energy. Thank goodness for car seats and restraints now. But that is why I don't feel guilty about a little DVD babysitting. The world is a different place, if we were forced to sit still strapped in when we were kids we would need DVD babysitting too. Also think about buying some brand new toys so they are fresh and exciting and wait to open them at different times during the trip. I find the travel magnadoodles and aquadoodles great for the car also.
If your kids are prone to car sickness make sure the DVD player is suspended above their heads so they can see the horizon in their peripheral vision. Very Important if you don't want vomit all over the place! Have fun!

C.,

Look for fun museums and road stops along your route. Three years ago, when my in-laws took us to Disney, we drove to Florida from Michigan. We stopped in Tennessee for a long break and visited the River and Ocean Museum. It was awesome!

By making many stops and at least one long one each day, it gives your boys something to look forward to and also gives them a break from riding in the car.

Also, small bags filled with cool toys. I stocked up on play dough (it makes a mess, though) and the small Lego kits. A new toy can grab their attention for hours.

Lastly, we visited the library and borrowed a few books on CD. I loved Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke. It is read by Brendon Frasier and his different voice impressions weave a magical story that is not scary and is amazingly fun to listen to.

This summer when we traveled in Michigan's eastern U.P., we actually sat in the car just to listen to the story. We wanted to know what would happen next! Pretty amazing for a family that reads all the time and listens to audio books constantly. =)

Good luck with your trip and I hope your whole family has a great time!

-C..

C.; yes, play games, have them pack a carry on bag, with whatever they want, but it must be able to fit into the bag, ahah like a back pack or something, also since the trip is very long, dont be afraid to take breaks, like every two hours go potty , and get out and stretch, there wll be times they cant stand each other any more, and may fight, but house rules apply , keep an inside voice, and dont be afarid to pull the car over to correct matters, if need be usually the act of just pulling the car over stops any fighting, ahahahah give them maps, and have them find the road, you are on, or buy or make like car bingo, like stop signs, or things you may see along the road, first one to get a row colored in, from what they seen, wins a C. bar, play music for kids, not just your music sing alongs, everybody sing, play the alphabet game, ok who can find an a , ok now a b ,etc, counting game, i spy with my little eye something red, in the car, who can guess what it is, pack some snacks, and drinks, dont be afraid of stopping for potty breaks, or whatever, bring a roll of toilet paper if you know you might have to pull over for emergency stops, ahahaha bring their little pillows, and blankies, wear comfy clothes like sweat suits, nothing binging, just have fun, those trips will be very memorable for them, as well as you , just be a happy family , do what you can to keep peace, in small areas, its easy to be very frustrated easily, dont fret over it, kids know how to play, hhah enjoy ! D. s

Not sure how you stand on electronics during road trips....but we sure have successful road trips with them! Portable DVD players are now very inexpensive....and the one thing my kids love the most (age 11 and 4) are Nintendo DS game systems (handheld). They rock! Good luck (oh, and don't forget a cool snack bag!)

Hi C.,
I understand what you mean about planning now. My husband laughs at me because I already am asking people to babysit for us when we go away for the 1st without our kids in Feb...I'm excited! lol Car trips can be hard with little kids. I'm sure you wont have to many problems with your 8 year old, they are old enough to understand it. I purchased a Portable DVD player, for no reason a few years ago...life saver. I use it all the time! I use it the car when we drive to my friends house that's just over an hour away, I use at hotels to hook up to TVs. I even will use it at home. It doesn't have to be just for moves, but for music too. It's been a big help. I got mine on black friday a few years ago for less then 100.00. They also have those things that hook to the back of chairs that come down and your kids can color and read and do other things with them as well. They zip up and everything says right there. You can get some crafts they can do and give the people they are going to see. We also take our computer for our older kids to play with. I always pack snacks...and lots. Easy things that they can eat in the car, fruit snacks, crackers, cookies, get a cooler for drinks and fresh fruit. We have also learned that eating lunch at McDonalds/BK were they have toys and the kids can burn off some energy...great idea! Good Luck! I travel a lot going to see friends a family, I don't always take all of my kids since I have 6 and am mostly by myself. But I have 3 year old twins and they aren't as bad as you would think, they are pretty good in the car.
Good Luck:D