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We’re Goin On A Road Trip! Tips On Keeping Sane!

By Melissa Shrader Editor/Publisher Fort Collins Macaroni Kid July 22, 2018

 Hey, We’re goin on a road trip. How about you? I’ve been on several if you count the ones from childhood, BMK (Before My Kid/s) & AMK(After My Kid/s). Most of the trips have good and bad points but they all were made more enjoyable by playing games, singing, and just simply making simple observations while on the drive. 

One thing we do to keep upbeat and to have fun is to make rules for the car. This helps and you can make a game of some of the rules too.

RULES

1)     Put the right stuff In the right bag. We keep 2 different kinds of bags in the back seat. One is just a simple trash bag and the other is a nicer tote. When we are done for the day we take a moment andtake everything out of the backseat (front too if needed). If you have trash put it in the trash bag. If we got new toys or even if we played with ourcurrent toys they go into the tote. 

2)     Be positive – or at least be kind. You know how rides can get…Kids get tired etc. They struggle to stay awake and not to nap, they get particular about their space, their time, their entertainment in the car, food etc. We have to say something nice or nothing at all. We do want to talk about the situation that made us mad but not in a destructive way.  The point is to make sure that everyone stayspositive and communicates in a positive way. If something happens (and itdoes), we also implement another positive comment rule. 

3)     If we argue- we must say something nice about the other person, apologize, and hug. This theory is similar to the “get along shirt” from our youth. If  you argued with your sibling you both got to wear a tshirt together. You both had to stay in it till you were nice to each other. Just like it says, if someone is mean or rude, take 5 min to think and then say something nice to and about the other person. This is good with everyone even parents. 

4)     Share – As much as possible – It’s a smallplace, the car. It may seem roomy from time to time but add the bags, the food,the time an lack off movement and you feel like a sardine. If you havesomething great share it. If you don’t want to share, don’t get it out. This goes for toys to food. 

5)     Make one surprise for everyone in the car during the trip – Maybe you just do a song, get a card, say something nice, get a special snack for everyone, anything you can think of. 

6)     Make the rules for the car together – I can make as many rules as I want but if there is no buy in it won’t work. You can offer a treat of just a high five for those who follow the rules too. 

Games 

1)     I spy – Always a hit and easy to do. Pick something but make sure it’s either in the car or it’s far enough ahead that you don’t pass it before the game starts. 

2)     The license plate game – Find the most plates from out of state and win. Whatever state you are in see how many travelers are there and from which states they come from. The one who finds the most“different” out of state plates wins. 

3)     Road Bingo – You can buy games at tourists stops or create your own. When someone gets a line filled up either forward, backward, up, down, diagonal, vertical or horizontal. 

4)     What do you see – This is one that you can do with different things. Using clouds, trees, etc. see what the item looks like. Do you see a bunny in the clouds? Tell someone and show them. Does the tree lean way to the right like it’s pointing at something? Show someone. Whatunusual thing did you see? 

5)     Found it first! Did you find a heard of Elk?Point it out. An airplane? Point it out. The one who finds the most things atthe end of the day wins. 

Pack entertainment in the car

   Create an entertainment bag. I have a bag that I put colored pencils, pens note paper, graph paper, word search, connect thedots, coloring sheets, finger puppets, small dolls and anything your kiddo loves that is small. It doesn’t have to be packed. I try to match the entertainment with the length of the ride. If you have a short ride put in colored pencils and coloring sheet or a couple dolls. If it’s a long ride put in many small items (make sure they are age appropriate and not a choking hazard) that will entertain. 

Pack Snacks for the Car

Now you don't need a ton of food (even if you have an army) just something satisfying for those eating. Make sure there are extra water bottles, crunchy snacks, sweet snacks, and something savory too. This covers all cravings. It's up to you and your families likes/dislikes to choose what to bring. We bring, nuts, fruit gummies, jerky and water. I also bring flavor packets like lemonade and fruit punch to put into my daughters water. Just do what works for your family but make sure there is something you won't have to regret taking like chocolate that melts in the heat. 

Don’t forget that there are fun activities to do along the way too. 

1)     Jr Ranger programs are in every state. Most havea badge after you do a program and make a pledge to be a good ranger. A greatway to earn a souvenir. 

2)      Collecting a different rock at each stop. Most tourst places have those kiosks that have several different rocks you can pick through and add to a little bag. Get one at each site and discuss what it is, Mica, quartz etc. Discuss how it's made, where it's found etc. You can do this with fossils etc. 

3)      Make up stories and write them down. If you on a road trip leaning about the west or about dinosaurs etc. Make up a story either fiction or non-fiction and write it down. This will make a great memory and help keep their writing stills up. 

4)     Find something Odd Unique Different on the trip to stop at. Is there a unique amusement park? A natural landmark? Something unique and fun or interesting to learn about? Mount Rushmore, Garden of the Gods? Giant Paul Bunyan? Anything to add something new different fun to the trip. 

5)    Be flexible and open to finding and exploring things along the way that pop up. Be positive and have FUN! 

Technology - this one is up to you as well. It can help with long road trips but try to break up the videos with some real interaction. This will help keep the kids less grouchy at the end of the day from staring at a screen all day. 

I have a short list of other items you might like to have the kids gather or my might gather for younger kids. 

·Backpack (to put everything in)

·Books these can be for reading or activities

·Toys we all love toys to keep our minds creative! 

·Games no football but something simple either on the phone or leap pad 

·DVD player, (don't forget the DVD's again up to you but for little kids on a long trip plugging in a movie can be a great distraction - just don't distract the driver! 

·Snacks like mentioned above 

·Neck pillow if you like. Both for young and older kids use digression some kids love these some feel they are being strangled.  

·Blanket always a good idea. Use as a pillow or to keep warm 

·Map Kids may want to follow along and mark up a map. This can be a great memento too. They can mark down their favorite spots and different experiences they had. 

Some additional tips: 

1)    Decide when you will do the majority of the driving. Some parents prefer to drive early in the morning or late in the evening when the kids are likely to be asleep. Decide if you will be taking turns too or if you might be doing additional rest stops so everyone can stretch their legs. 

2)   If you eat out a lot on the trip try to find some of your families favorite places to dine. Just in case they need a break from the local cuisine and want something familiar. 

3) Surprise your family with a DVD of silly songs or silly stories.

4) Make sure you have an actual map too. Just in case. There may be areas where your service isn't great or maybe GPS doesn't account for construction.

5) Mark rest stops along the way on the map, even if you don't stop at them you know they are there just in case.