Tips for Surviving a Family Road Trip

Living in rural Queensland it takes us hours and hours to get anywhere. And if you’re just as lucky as us, your kids will just love travelling too.

You can hear the sarcasm, right?

My two hate travelling. My Hubby brings earplugs whenever we have to drive father then an hour because one of them will always decide they hate being strapped down and yell until he or she falls asleep. Usually for a few hours.

Lucky, I know.

Living in rural Queensland it takes us hours and hours to get anywhere. And if you’re just as lucky as us, your kids will just love travelling too.

You can hear the sarcasm, right?

My two hate travelling. My Hubby brings earplugs whenever we have to drive further then an hour because one of them will always decide they hate being strapped down and yell until he or she falls asleep. Usually for a few hours.

Lucky, I know.

Christmas time is one of the busiest times on our roads. People holidaying with family for the festive season, usually driving to their destinations. If you’re kids decide they’ve had enough of travelling here’s my top tips for having an easier car trip:

In Car DVD Players.

Best. Invention. Ever. Seriously. Distraction is the name of the game in stopping a toddler from yelling your ears out. Be warned, after the 5^th repeat you might start singing Happy Birthday to a Cat along with Elmo, but at least everyones happy.

Snacks.

If their mouth is full they can’t yell, right? Arrowroot biscuits are constantly in my arsenal. As are Blueberries, fruit sticks, squeezable yoghurt (be warned – it can be messy!!), and bottles of water. I tend to avoid fruit juice as it seems to go straight through my kids; travelling and toilet training don’t exactly go hand in hand. Sugary treats may seem like a good idea but it’ll just give them more energy they can’t burn while strapped down, so avoiding the chocolates and lollies is for your benefit, not just theirs.

iPhone/iPad Games.

Next to DVD players, one of my favourite inventions is the Fisher Price Laugh and Learn iCan Play cases. I can pop my iPhone into it with the app already opened and it’s practically baby proof. It’s drool resistant, drop resistant and throw at the back of Mum’s seat resistant. Big plus, they can’t press the button and secretly call overseas. Big fail, it’s a pain to change apps when they get sick of the one they’re playing. But you should get at least half an hour of silence. Our favourite games are Bob the Builder, Monkey Preschool Lunchbox and anything by Toca Boca

Kids CD’s.

…never really worked for us. But they might for you. I don’t mind kids tunes so much and sometimes I can con my 3 year old into singing along with me, but not often. He’s not really interested. My nearly one year old daughter is showing a lot of promise though….

Old Fashioned Games.

If your child is old enough games like ‘I Spy’ and ’20 Questions’ can be great fun. But playing ‘I Spy’ with a three year old who can’t spell yet doesn’t really work. Instead of letters I’ll say “I spy with my little eye…something that starts with a Da Da sound”.  Thanks Elmo, for the idea.

If all else fails, the good old ear plugs work a treat. I find, for us, it’s better to keep driving and just get there rather then stop ten thousand times. Getting Little Miss out just riles her up and she then screams more putting her back into the seat. But if you’re tired or do need a break, pull over.

Wherever your travelling this Christmas, drive safely!

I’m Daneyl, I’m a blogger, wife, mother and opera singer (but only when I’m in the shower). I’m the most relaxed when I’m being creative, cooking, reading and writing. I’m loving being a stay at Mum and learning how to be a parent to my two gorgeous cherubs. Check out my little blog at www.thestrandsofme.com