Road trips can already be a stressor if you’re traveling with kids. They have less of an attention span or ability to sit in one place at a time, often getting restless and maybe even a little whiny one might say if they are feeling a bit less generous.
That being said, it is important to come prepared if you’re going to ask your kiddos to sit in a car for an extended period of time. That’s where we come in. Hey, we’ve been there. We walked so you could run, my friend! Enjoy our tips and tricks to making your road trip as fluid as possible.
Travel During The Day
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To avoid dragging your children through the dark streets (likely adding to the confusion) try to take off during the day. If you travel during the day, you’re able to pull off for breaks and site seeing to break up the ride. Also, your kiddo can play with whatever it is they brought, with each other in some good old fashioned road trip games. If it does start to get dark, hand over a tablet if you have it and let your kids revel in the screen time.
Plan Stops In Advance
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Oh, the rookie mistakes that we’ve made. For instance, only pulling over for stops for food and bathroom breaks leads to a sense of urgency. The kids are hungry and grumpy, someone needs the bathroom NOW, it is just utter chaos. Instead, map out where exactly you can stop for food, gas, and the like. That way you have a plan and can enjoy the ride.
Snacks, Snacks, Snacks
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We think as a parent you likely know that leaving the house without snacks is like jumping overboard with no life jacket. Kids need lots of snacks, and your road trip should be no different. But we have some recommendations to fill the kids for longer stretches of time.
- Veggie and fruit pouches. Be careful that none of them have small caps though!
- Cereal
- Dried fruit or variety pack.
- Granola bars
- Water
- Coffee for you!
Plan For The Unexpected
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Your road trips are going to be like jazz, and you’re going to have to hit the notes and steps and roll with the punches. Not everything will sound in tune necessarily at first, but that’s why you must prepare! Some things to pack for the unexpected are
- Wipes
- An extra amount of diapers than you’d expect
- Travel potty seat for those gross bathrooms or absolute emergencies
- Blankets and pillows
- Your kids favorite stuffed animal
No matter what, road tripping with children is going to take a great deal of patience and temperament with yourself and with your kiddos. By planning ahead, you’re setting yourself up for success even through the harder moments. It’s worth the trouble for your kids to see the big wide world and experience all it has to offer. Enjoy this finite time while your kids are with you wherever you go. It doesn’t last forever!
