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Health & Fitness

Traveling With Kids- 10 tips to keep you sane while traveling with your kids

Every year, many parents ask the question on how to get to their vacation destination with kids in tow, fly or drive? While flying seems like the most convenient option, it’s very expensive.  Is it worth the time and effort to go by car? There is an easy answer: yes! Apart from saving hundreds of dollars, you’ll create cherished memories and participate in an all-American, time-honored tradition.

Here are some tips to consider when planning a road trip:

 

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1.       Add road side assistance. It’s really affordable and gives a peace of mind knowing you’ll find help should you need it. Nonetheless, don’t forget to check your fluids and the weather before you leave.  

2.       Stock your car. Consider over-the-seat car organizers and stock your car with the following:

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 plastic grocery bags for multiple uses, baby wipes, antibacterial gel, hand towels, rag towels for cleaning spills, toilet paper, bottled water, salty snacks, sweet snacks, trail mix. Also, designate a place for electronic devices and cable cords. Consider purchasing a car adaptor for charging cell phones, laptops,mp3 players, and tablets.

3.       Mentally prepare your kids. It doesn’t matter how young your kids are, explain to them what you’re doing, where they’re going and how long it’s going to take to get there. Showing them a map or creating one together will help to peak their interest in travel.

4.       Leave early. If you can manage it, leave at 3 or 4 in the morning. Your kids will sleep, and you’ll get a quiet jump start on the road trip. By the time they start to wake up, you’ll welcome the break it brings.

5.       Plan for breaks. Expect to take a break from driving every two to four hours. Bring a ball, a long jump rope, and some hula hoops. Many games can be created using just these three basic toys. A break should be about fifteen minutes to every two hours of driving.

6.       Plan for in car entertainment. The old fashion way.  Bring books, travel sized versions of table games, and notebook paper for drawing or coloring. There are also games such as “20 Questions”, “Scavenger Hunt” and “I Spy” that only need a bit of imagination to play.

7.       Turn off the gadgets. If you are anything like me, you probably want to limit the amount of screen time that your kids get. It’s a good idea to set limits on these items before everyone gets in the car. In moderation, electronics can add to the experience as well as give a much needed break to everyone.

8.       Be a little lax on the rules.  If there was ever a time to “give in” it’s while traveling. Extra candy, staying up late, eating in the car, watching more TV than normal are things that you might want to let slide in order to keep sane while traveling.

9.       Keep a good sense of humor. Life comes with hassles, and road trips are no exception. There will be mistakes made: a missed turn; a misplaced toy; spilt milk. Everything relies on how you react to it- take it in stride and those difficult moments will also be cherished memories once your kids are grown and ready to leave the nest.

10.   Make a big deal out of “welcome to…” signs.  There is something innately special about them. It’s ‘the sign’ that you are making progress. Get out and take a picture. Take a look at the map together and highlight your route up to that point.

 

Many parents worry unnecessarily about how their kids will behave on a long road trip, but most will be pleasantly surprised at how easy and fun a family road trip can actually be. Taking these tips into consideration will take some of the stress out of a family road trip and some peace of mind. 

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