Staying Sane on a Road Trip with Kids
If you have a road trip with kids coming up, you may be filled with dread. A road trip can be a harrowing experience unless your children are exceptionally well-behaved.
However, you can do plenty of things to make it the best road trip ever and stay sane while traveling. Here are five tips for staying sane on a road trip with kids:
1. Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks
Snacks are one of the best ways to stay entertained while on the road—and kids live for snacks. It doesn’t have to be all junk food. Bananas and grapes are easy to eat in the car. Pre-slice apples or pre-peel oranges. Pack a cooler with string cheese and grab a bag of veggie chips or pretzels. Try to have a variety of crunchy, soft, sweet and salty foods.
You can add in the occasional treat they don’t get at home as often as an extra incentive when they start to get antsy.
2. Enjoy the Journey
You’ve heard this cliche, but it’s true. You have to learn to take your time and enjoy the process of getting to where you’re going. If you have a three-day drive and all you can think about is the destination, then it’s going to feel extra long.
Though it is a hassle sometimes to get everyone out of the car, stop in interesting places. Kids need to stretch those limbs and breathe fresh air. That will help keep their behavior more manageable between stops.
3. Start Clean
Don’t leave until you’ve at least vacuumed out the vehicle. The road trip will get messy with wrappers, tissues, and other things, but starting clean will help everything get off on the right foot. Whether your car is older or you just purchased that new Hyundai for sale, taking those few minutes to get the crumbs under the car seats will be worth it.
4. Pre-Prepare Entertainment
Just when you won’t have a cell signal is when your kids will need the most entertainment. By preparing, you can avoid this issue. Pack an extra cell phone and tablet charger, and car adapter. Download movies, ready your playlist, and consider purchasing and downloading some fun audiobooks.
5. Keep It Cool
Your attitude. Watch your attitude. The more levelheaded you can be, the better things will go. And remember, your mood will determine how you feel about the trip. Even with a few bumps along the way or a few annoying moments, be determined to enjoy the journey and let the little things run off your back. Keeping a positive mindset can make all the difference.
6. Pack Surprises
Sometimes packing food, toys, or a form of entertainment that your kids don’t usually have access to can help tremendously. Pack a new toy for that element of surprise. It works every time.
Hit the Road Confidently!
This next road trip, try out these tips and see how much more enjoyable your vacation is. Sometimes, a good mindset and a little planning are all you need to have a fantastic time. More
