I absolutely love to hit the road...and take the kids with me!
Here are a few tips that I have found to help!
#1....
Plan and Prepare an activity that will occupy lots of hours!
For our Boston Trip, I knew we had 21 hours of drive time in both directions!
I bought 6 packages of different colors of yarn...which the kids picked out!
I gave everyone a pair of scissors, and a bag to catch the extra yarn.
Above is pictured some of the hundreds of fluff balls that the kids made!
It was simple enough to involve ALL the kids!
They LOVED it!
The made fluff balls for HOURS!!!
Off and On for the Entire trip....just what a mom needs!
#2
Bring lots of paper and writing tools!
I like to be in control of all the activities...not because I am a control freak...but it helps space it out and keep it exciting!
As a mom, you can tell when the breaking moment is about to happen, and with a smile, bring out the crayons!
Even thought they just had a pen...it's enough change to bring road time happiness!
#3
Relax...and Make the Drive Part of the Trip!
All of our family members live 20-28 drive hours away!
Usually we have a week to visit....and 4 of those days are on the road...might as well make them fun!
I'll be honest...if you play too much...you will never get there.
The secret is to keep the kids moving without them knowing your pressing them!
We have found that a hard 15-30 min. pool play...is the BEST way to tire the kids out...and help them be ready to drive all day!
Usually the 2nd day...we allow them to swim in the morning!
#4Allow the Kids to Add Personality to the Vacation!
The hotels that are in the middle of the drive, are quick..and yet, it is the kids favorite part.
We usually get in at midnight -2am...
Mark and I go straight to bed...(after pj's and brushing teeth).
We usually allow the kids to make the hotel their own...
Even if it is for a few hours!
#5Quick stops give hours of peaceful drive time!
Pushing through may seem like it saves time...but it is stressful, and take all the fun out of the drive...
Who wants to drive across country with whiny kids????
We try to find something fun and fast, for the kids to see...EVERYONE gets out...even if they don't want to....EVERYONE runs...even if it is short distance!
Unique artwork...is a favorite of my kids!
#6
Allow the kids to help!
I have all of them help packing...from the youngest to the oldest!
(We all know that I actually pack...because I have to be organized..but I keep them involved the entire time!)
I also pack....so that on the road we only have to bring in one bag for all of us!
#7
Get Out of the Car to Eat!
Picnics are better than restaurants...and faster!!!
We try to find a park...eat...and give 15 min. to play!
I always announce...after you eat...you have 15 min. to run as hard and fast as you can!
Because we are getting back in the car...and driving for 5 hours!
(We try to get 5 hours in, before a quick 15 min. break)
#8
Potty Breaks...are for everyone!
I get all the kids out at bathrooms...even Brady!
This year Annika potty trained herself on the road to Boston...go figure?
I think she found out that is how you get the car to STOP!!!
#9
If you watch Movies...buy an old TV series...they last forever!
For $20 you can buy the newest Disney..and it buys you 2 hours at the most...
If you buy the Brady Bunch...it too costs $20....and gives at least 15 hours of peace!
#10
Have Fun!
If you are having fun..the kids will!
I have posted other Road Trip ideas....here!
If you want your kids to travel well....then travel with them!!!
8 comments:
Back in the days when my kids were young ~ mini vans were not made. We went in a car. 2 boys 1 girl in the back seat and 1 girl in the middle with Dave and I.. Not much space but we brought lots of things to do. Vacations are so wonderful ~ lots of memories to be made...ta ta for now...from Iowa
WOW~! You are a tiggerittic family~!
Wow, you are brave! I thought the 10 hour trip was enough. You have some really great ideas I'll have to keep in mind.
I love all of your ideas ~ they are all great! We always love stopping at rest areas or parks too ~ we usually stash a frisbee or football or occasionally even Tyler's lacrosse sticks and play. On long trips, I have had "fun bags" that we've opened at certain mile marks....one at the start of the trip and one about every 200-300 miles. I've filled these with easy crafts and little toys. The kids still ask for the travel "fun bags" when we drive for a long time. As we are travelling tomorrow, I might be employing the yarn ball idea ~ my girls will be thrilled!!
Do you have an iPad????? That is my favorite trip tip for mama to survive.... Hehehe... I wish i could have met you guys on one of your 15 min stops!!!! You are brave and courageous to travel with kiddos... I'm not so good at it. But if I ever do I'll use your tips! Happy thanksgiving!!!!!
You are amazing, I adore your family. Awesome ideas!!
This post is fantastic!!! I assumed you flew. I am so impressed with all of your ideas. I love the little puff ball things. I have to figure out how to make them so I can plan this for our next trip!
Sherri- these are great tips! You are a rock star for traveling so far! We just made the trip to Atlanta and we decided to drive through the night. That meant that this time I didn't have to have activities for the children!
I love the pom poms and your tip for watching tv shows is absolutely brilliant!
great ideas! we live 18+ hours from all of our family as well!
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