Most of us love to spend quality time with the children. And any journey will certainly give you plenty of that. But traveling seems to cause a lot of stress and tension sometimes. The kids get bored. They start to wriggle about and may even fight with each other. This can be really unpleasant for us as parents. And it can be very distracting if you’re trying to drive your car safely!
There are several ways you can reduce the stress associated with travel. If your kids have a habit of distracting you while you’re driving, why not choose a different mode of transport? You can travel by bus, train, subway, boat, or even cycle. Small children love riding the bus or the train, so this could even become a treat for the kids. Best of all, someone else is in charge of the driving so you can relax! Why not take a cruise, so you can enjoy traveling in luxury?
Of course, it’s not always practical to use public transport services. When you have to drive, you want to be able to focus without distraction. Have you tried in car DVD players? They attach to the back of the front seat head rests. That way they can be viewed by the kids in the back of the car. It can be a better choice than tablets or phones as they won’t have to look down to view them. Nausea in the car is not fun to deal with!
Traditional games can be just as entertaining for your little ones. Common car games like ‘I Spy’ give you a chance to play along too. You might have some games in mind before you set off. Preparing for a long journey gives you plenty of options when the kids decide they’re bored. Don’t forget to take something to play for all your stops as well.
Taking lots of breaks on your journey can give the children lots of opportunities to stretch their legs. Find stops with play parks or a good space for them to run around and burn off some energy! And to avoid any excess energy in the car, opt for healthy choices at meal times. Long journeys often leave us reaching for snacks in the car too. Fruits and nuts could be the healthier choice for traveling.
It makes sense to plan the journey and route meticulously. As well as thinking about the stops you could make, consider what you should pack to make the journey more comfortable. If it’s a sunny day, some window socks could help keep the kids safe from sunburn. A couple of bottles of water will help avoid dehydration and grumpiness. And baby wipes are ideal for cleaning sticky hands or refreshing faces.
A favorite toy or stuffed animal can be a real comfort for small children. Add a couple of neck pillows, and you may be lucky enough to have them nap for the journey. Sometimes the right choice of tunes could be all you need to get everyone in a good mood for the whole trip. What’s on your playlist?
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