“Are we there yet?” These words are guaranteed to drive every parent to distraction. Travelling with children can be a delight, or sharing the journey with your kids can be hell. If the journey is not prepared with the child in mind they will naturally become bored, fractious and troublesome. This exercise needs preparation and the co-operation of the child.
Favourite Games
Every child is unique and different, so what works for one may not work for another. The age of the child also has to be taken into account, as age specific games and activities are required. However, if you find something works for one journey then it will probably work for the next one too. Good tactics for keeping kids occupied, happy and quiet will be useful on every journey and from year to year.
Pets
Leaving a pet when going away, particularly on a long journey, may be a worry for adults, but for children it can cause great distress because kids worry about pets that are left behind. If you have a babysitter or a close friend who has agreed to take care of your pet make sure that the child knows of this. Children can make regular telephone calls to check on the pet’s well-being.
Because the house or apartment is being attended too, this will provide extra peace of mind too. Placing a dog or cat to a kennel or cattery, a good strategy is to take the child along to visit beforehand, and when the pet is being "booked in" also.
Do Not Clutter
Use the car boot to best advantage; do not to clutter the seats with bags or packages, and give the kid some room. After all they will be fidgeting and squirming allow some space to move, but keep toys near by. The more room they have the less they will moan.
Cheap Toys, Books, Pencils
Children will need to be kept interested and active, so it is best that the journey starts with a visit to a discount store. Buy sufficient cheap toys, colouring books, crayons, plain paper writing pads and the like. It is best to avoid toys with small bits and pieces that may be lost down the back of the seat.
But do not give these toys out at the same time. To get the most out of them, spread their distribution throughout the journey. Then the kids do not tire of them quickly.
Old Games Work and New Games Too
Old standbys like "I Spy" will pass some time; more time will be passed by a "car registration word game". Each child competes to make the longest word from a car registration letters. The longest word containing each of the letters has a point; if the letters are used in the sequence they appear on the plate bonus points are awarded. Arithmetic games can be used in the same way.
Use some of the tactics above and taking children on long journeys need not be a hassle. It can be pleasant and enjoyable for both parent and child.
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