| "Are we almost there yet?"This is the question that | | | | was a kid, my brothers would punch people when they |
| every parent dreads to hear when riding in a car. Even | | | | saw one of the car types. Back then we did the |
| worse is when your children start fighting because | | | | Slug-Bug, Slam Trans Am, and Sock Cop. I am happy |
| they get impatient sitting in the car for long periods of | | | | to say that the women in the family took over the |
| time.Here are some tips to combat the issue of the | | | | rules of this one. Now if you see one of these car |
| children getting bored and unruly. As a matter of fact, | | | | types, you call it out and get a kiss. (Less bruises) The |
| with a little planning, you can eliminate this problem | | | | person calling out a car also has the option to save up |
| before it starts.The most important thing to be | | | | ten and get a hug when the car stops at a rest |
| prepared for with a long road trip is the possibility of | | | | stop.Other items that you will want to consider taking |
| someone getting motion sickness. It may be helpful to | | | | on your road trips in order to make them more |
| purchase an over-the-counter motion sickness | | | | enjoyable are as follows: |
| medicine. One person getting motion sickness can | | | | -Frisbee or Ball: Allows for some exercise at rest |
| make the trip miserable for everyone in the car.Aside | | | | stops. |
| from the misery of being ill, another important thing to | | | | -Plastic box: Age-appropriate for each child to hold |
| be prepared for is boredom. This is what causes the | | | | supplies (the lid will make a good desk.) |
| children to get restless and punchy. You can easily | | | | -Bottles of water: For drinking and cleaning (not |
| combat boredom by making sure that you have plenty | | | | messy like drink boxes) |
| of entertainment for them. First, you can have your | | | | -Blanket: For naps |
| kids bring a book. (As long as reading doesn't cause or | | | | -Paper towels: For cleanups |
| worsen motion sickness.) Reading can keep the older | | | | -Snacks: Healthy finger foods are best, crackers are |
| children occupied for hours. However if reading causes | | | | especially good because they can ease nausea. |
| nausea, you might want to consider an audio book. | | | | -Compass: Fun for the kids if they want to help |
| Everyone in the family can help pick the audio books. | | | | navigate |
| This can keep the whole family entertained for a | | | | -Trash bags: For cleaning and wet clothesSince I have |
| pretty long time. Of course, younger children will get | | | | a toddler, I try to limit the length of my road trips. The |
| bored from audio books quicker than everyone | | | | only lengthy trip that my family has taken with her was |
| else.You may want to invest in a portable DVD player. | | | | to Disney World. We chose to take an airplane to |
| These little gems have fallen in price and can really | | | | minimize the hours that she would be strapped in. I |
| keep smaller children entertained for a longer period of | | | | was surprised by how much she loved the airplane. |
| time than an audio book.For an opportunity for a great | | | | We did take plenty of things to keep her busy. She |
| family bonding activity, you may want to play some | | | | was very content with looking out the window for |
| road games. Following is a list of some entertaining | | | | most of the trip. Now, she looks up at the sky and |
| family road games. | | | | points out any airplanes she sees. She also tells the |
| 1) ABC Game-Find letters of the alphabet on road | | | | airplanes hi an bye and waves at them.Good Luck |
| signs, billboards, etc. | | | | with your trips!This article was written by Sandy. I am |
| 2) Woody-Get a point when you see a car with | | | | a parent who is concerned with giving my children the |
| wood panel sides. Set a certain level of points in order | | | | best start in life. Since my first child didn't come with a |
| to win. Predetermine a prize for the winner. | | | | manual, I have found other parents' advice invaluable. I |
| 3) The name game-Pick a letter of the alphabet and | | | | would like to pass on what I have learned and hope |
| have everyone call out names that begin with that | | | | that other parents would like to do the same. I have |
| letter. Person with most names is the winner. | | | | recently been reminded of how important my family is |
| 4) As a derivative of the Woody game, pick a type | | | | and that my family should always come first. Please |
| of car such as VW Beetle (Slug-Bug), PT Cruiser | | | | visit my blog at Hope to see you there. |
| (Cruiser Bruiser), Hummer (Hummer Bummer). When I | | | | |