For many parents, taking their children on a road trip can be a daunting task. While these long trips can be an excellent bonding activity for the whole family, the entire experience can become quite stressful, especially when you have little ones in tow. To help you make your next road trip a memorable adventure, here are eight valuable tips you should remember when going on a road trip with kids.
Prepare in advance
Without proper preparation and planning, your road trip can quickly turn into a dreadful experience. Make sure you plan your trip a few days or weeks beforehand. List down all the things you need to accomplish and work on them by priority. Devise a driving strategy with your partner and decide on your driving hours. Get everyone in the family engaged in the preparations and allow your children to voice their opinions, regardless of how trivial they may be. Letting them have a say can lessen power struggles and keep emotional meltdowns at bay.
In addition, remember to plan your little ones’ seating arrangement. If you have a toddler, make sure that the seat next to them is vacant so that you or your partner can easily attend to them if they start throwing a tantrum.
Secure your kids’ safety
To ensure that your family is safe while on the road, make sure to have your car checked and serviced by a professional mechanic a few days before your trip. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you need to stock up your vehicle with emergency roadside supplies such as jumper cables, flares, flashlights, portable cell phone charger and charger, white flag, jack and ground mat, duct tape, basic repair tools, maps, emergency blankets, extra windshield washer fluid, first aid kit, and a tire pressure gauge. In addition, remember to invest in top quality car seats to ensure your little ones’ comfort and safety.
Decide on your routes
Prior to your trip, be sure to study your destination and carefully plan out your routes, including your pit stops. Do some research and check if there are parks or establishments along the way where you can stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and take bathroom breaks. You should also take note of the gas stations, hospitals, and police stations on your map. Even if your children are far too young to understand the logistics, make sure to include them during the planning process. Ask them where they want to go and what they would like to do. Getting your kids involved can reduce tantrum episodes since they already know what to expect from the trip.
Consider driving at night
Since children thrive on routines, it would be better if you start your trip at night. Your kids will be well-rested, making them less cranky in the morning. In addition, the designated driver can direct all his energy on the road rather than refereeing backseat disputes or dealing with a toddler’s fussiness. Try to make your vehicle conducive for sleeping by reducing the car stereo’s volume, lowering the aircon temperature, and providing your kids with enough pillows and blankets. You can also use this time to have meaningful and uninterrupted conversations with your partner.
Pack wisely
To ensure that your trip will go smoothly, it is vital that you pack wisely. List down the necessary items you need for the journey and categorize them by importance. Arrange your kids’ outfits based on the weather and climate of your destination. Remember to bring their medications, especially for motion sickness, and make it a point to visit their pediatrician a few days prior to your trip. Involve them in the packing process by letting them choose the books, toys, and gadgets they would like to bring. Make sure to guide them with their choices but try not to dictate what they can and cannot pack.
Get creative
Since your little ones are not old enough to appreciate the scenery, try to think of different ways to make the long drive as fun as possible. There are several games you can play to pass the time. You can stick with the classics such as I Spy, Name that Tune, and Twenty Questions. In addition, you can also use this time to get artsy with your children. Provide them with craft supplies such as beads, crayons, papers, and other items they can use to create mini sculptures or bracelets. Allow them to get messy and resist the urge to micromanage their every move.
Talk to your kids
Keeping your kids occupied and entertained for long hours can be tricky. While mobile applications and downloaded movies are great options to keep them entertained, try to limit their screen time. Rather than leaving them to their own devices, use the idle time to connect with your little ones. Ask them what’s on their minds and let them freely express themselves. Avoid interrupting and make sure to give them your undivided attention.
Bring several snack options
To avoid unnecessary food stops and additional expenses, be sure to load up on snacks. A road trip won’t be complete without your kids’ favorite food and drinks. Make sure to pack plenty of healthy and not-so-healthy snacks. Avoid the messy treats and limit your kids’ sugar intake.
Remember that kids on a sugar rush can be difficult to handle, especially if they have been stuck in the car for several hours straight. Instead of filling them up with chocolates or ice cream, go for dry snacks that are relatively easy to eat, such as crackers and popcorn. Don’t forget to bring their favorite fresh fruits and vegetables and place them in easy servings sizes to make it easier for your kids to eat them. Remember to also bring plenty of clean water for your trip.
No matter how meticulous you are with your preparations, there are still things that are out of your control. To make your family road trip a memorable experience, make sure to set realistic expectations, avoid controlling every little aspect of your trip, and most importantly remember to have fun.
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Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Pinstripe Magazine. Creative thinker and menswear designer who has been writing articles dedicated to men’s fashion, lifestyle, luxury items, home design, gear, grooming and gadgets since 1998. For info on PinstripeMag, any editorial needs or to contact me please email at marv@pinstripemag.com.
