Hitting the road for a long trip with a car full of kids can be a real challenge when it comes to staying sane. Hours in a small confined space with the entire family gets boring and frustrating fast. But there are plenty of things you can get the kids doing so that they are entertained and not pestering you constantly about how much longer it will be until they can get out. Take advantage of the resources you have at your disposal that did not exist ten or twenty years ago.
If your vehicle has a DVD player built in, then you are already one step ahead of the game. Playing a movie is one way to keep them entertained, at least for an hour or two. Of course, choosing which movie that is might just open up a new argument. If you don't have a DVD player already installed, bring a portable one along. They are getting more inexpensive all the time and the kids can each have their own with headphones.
Bring along a cooler filled with healthy and delicious snacks. Juice boxes and water bottles will be relieving if the weather is hot. Since most people end up travelling in the summer, this is something you don't want to leave without. Toss in some light snacks like fruit or low fat chips and crackers. A few sandwiches make grabbing lunch a breeze. There is no need to stop.
Many department stores or dollar stores carry small games that are made for travelling. Mini versions of checkers and Connect Four are games that the kids can play together. Grab a deck of cards while you're at it and see how long that will keep them busy for. Let them pick their own mini games so that they have something they are interested in.
A book is perhaps the most classic travel companion for those that are stuck in a car for a very long time. Children that have little interest in reading may prefer a craft book or a book that is filled with trivia and games. Word searches and crossword puzzles are fun ways to get them doing something while using their brain at the same time.
Bring along some pillows for the kids when they get tired. A long trip usually leads them to fall asleep and a good pillow can greatly reduce any neck strain or tension. A sleeping child is a quiet child, so be prepared for naps.
Make sure to stop frequently, at least every few hours so that the kids can use the washroom. It's also important to do a few stretches once out of the car. It can be hard on the body to sit like that for so long, especially when you are a restless child. Getting out of the car to walk around and tend to personal needs is something that should not be ignored. Work the time to do so into your travel plans if you are on a tight schedule. Travelling with the kids doesn't have to be something you dread. Make it easy on everyone.
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