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