Are we nearly there yet is one of those phrases that sets my teeth on edge. Once its been said I know it will be said again shortly after and gain and again…sigh. Its a phrase I dread. Long experience has taught me to be well prepared when travelling with kids.
My top tips would be…
1) Book are brilliant, children who love to read can get totally lost in a good book and time can pass quickly for them HOWEVER some children like my daughter can feel really sick if they read in motion. Don’t try this experiment without wipes a bowl and a change of clothes handy…its not nice to be stuck in a messed up car!
2) Electronic devices such as DS’s and tablets can be a fabulous distraction. Make sure they are charged and your child has headphones otherwise there may well be tears (yours and theirs.)
3) Healthy snacks and a drink of water on a little bag next to your child along with a cuddly and a few play things will really stop them harassing you. You may want to only half fill the water bottle.
4) Toilet and feed before you leave and schedule in time for toilet breaks and stretch your legs break too. Kids do get antsy if they have to sit still for two long.
5) Play some car games and talk. Being stuck in a car together can be seen as an opportunity rather than a challenge.
Our favourite game to play is ‘Who am I ?’ You decide to yourself who you are (someone they will definitely know e.g a Disney character, family friend, pop star) and everyone asks questions to which you can only answer yes or no till they guess it Even little kids find this great fun.
I also love to chat with the kids about school, friendships, what they want to read next, what is on their mind and just general stuff really. It’s amazing how much you can find out on one car journey! Take the opportunity to have a good old chat.
(Failing that story Cd’s work well for us!)
Parkdean travel recently did a survey of parents to find out their travel experiences and best tips…Have a look at their Are We Nearly There Yet page to see what they found out….
