Ensure a hassle-free (or close) road trip by putting these 10 essential rules for the road into play.
1 Family Planning.
No, not that kind. It's a little late for that.
This is the kind where you and the kids look at the map and talk about how long the trip will take and what kinds of interesting things there might be to do on the way.
Try to schedule at least one fun stop for each day of the trip. And try to let each kid pick at least one fun stop.
2 Plan a Stealth Night Departure.
For kids, there is something decidedly wicked about jumping into the car in the middle of the night. Wow! Up past bedtime and headed for adventure!
The good news is that they are also headed for sleepy time and you're headed for at least eight hours of driving without whining or fighting.
3 Get Comfortable.
Each kid needs his own blanket and pillow.
Encourage them to dress either in PJs or sweatpants and Ts. Something with an elastic or tie waist. (You might want to try this, too.)
4 That's (Family) Entertainment.
Riding in the car is tedious. (Remember?)
Have each kid pack a little road survival kit with books, CDs, iPods, puzzles - whatever they will enjoy and that will fit in the backpack.
Consider renting portable DVD player with earplugs.
5 Dashboard Dining - Or Not.
Try to avoid restaurants for meals.
Kids have been sitting and behaving. Look for picnic areas where you can enjoy a deli meal while they run around, let off steam, and act like a kid.
Or, try fast food places with playgrounds attached or pizza parlors disguised as amusement centers (think Chuck E Cheese).
No, it may not be fine dining but you may keep your sanity.
If you allow eating in the car, dole out snacks occasionally.
Better yet, stop for ice cream every 500 miles.
6 Plan Potty Breaks.
Stop often for potty breaks and insist everyone go - even if they don't `have to'.
Carry your own toilet seat liners, toilet paper (for times they can't wait till the potty stop) and lots of antibacterial wipes.
7 Plan Surprises.
Pack some inexpensive treats (playing cards, puzzle books, etc.) and wrap them up like presents.
If the kids aren't fighting or whining, they get to open a gift every 100 or 200 miles (depending on how long your trip is).
Also, give the children a small amount of money to spend (blow?) when you stop at restaurants with stores attached.
If the plastic shark amuses little Frankie for the next 50 miles, it's worth the 99 cents.
8 Day-tripping Detour: It's Not a Dirty Word.
Remember that getting there is part of the family fun.
If the kids see signs for a Petrified Forest, stop and see what it is.
One of my friend's daughter's most memorable side trips was when she managed to persuade her goal-oriented mother to stop the car at the Donner Museum on the way to Lake Tahoe (she was studying the Donner party in school).
The family enjoyed the museum almost as much as their ski vacation.
9 Talk, Look and Listen.
Plan to use this time to actually talk with your kids; and use this time to actually listen to what they have to say.
Look at the sights you pass and discuss them.
10 Don't Pack Light: Pack for Spills.
Pack for emergencies.
Yes, there are stores along the way. But none will be within 30 miles when Patrice throws up on herself.
You need bottled water, paper towels, extra clothes, medications, a
first-aid kit
the aforementioned toilet paper, and seat covers.
Summer brings with it important seasonal chores - such as cleaning the garage. What can you reasonably expect your child to do alone or help you with? The
garage chore guide by age
can help.
