hit the road
Filed Under Stuff, Tips & Tricks | July 7, 2009
It’s summer time and if you haven’t hit the open road already, chances are you will soon. Alas, road trips with young children can put your parenting patience to the test, but we’ve found a few simple ways to make it a little easier on you – and your tots:
Always on the Move
Get full value from pit stops. Take a few extra minutes and get the wiggles out. Try sidewalk stretch sessions, funny walk competitions or curb balance beams.
In nice weather, skip the restaurants. Quietly waiting for food is no break at all after hours sitting in the car. Instead bring picnic meals, a soccer ball and a list of parks and schools along your route. Thirty minutes of playground adventures before a quick bite to eat means everybody starts the next leg more refreshed.
And its Showtime
Finger puppets, magnetic storyboards and games (our favourite is Travel Picture Bingo) can while away the miles. A flat surface for colouring and stickers is essential so either invest in a Travel Tray or ad lib with a plastic serving tray. And don’t forget the classics: the alphabet game, license plates and twenty questions.
High Fuel Consumption
The real guzzlers are sitting in the back seat. Keep snacks for that part of your journey easily accessible and a back up supply in the rear. Baby carrots, craisins and other dried fruit, trail mix, grapes, crackers and cheese, fruit leather, cheddar bunnies and granola bars are all good fodder. And make sure everybody is equipped with his or her personal water bottle that gets refilled along the way.
Clean Up Crew
Road trips can get messy. Don’t leave home without Wysi wipes, wet ones or a wet cloth in a ziplock bag. Unless you’re certain your tots aren’t prone to carsickness then come prepared with your treatment of choice (gravol, seabands, peppermints etc.), a tub and an easily accessible change of clothes and toothbrush.
The Overnighter
When you pull into a motel way too late, the last thing you want to have to do is unpack everything. Have one bag that contains a change of clothes, PJs and toiletries for everybody, plus favourite stuffies, bedtime books and blankies.
Bon Voyage!
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Let us know what you think or share your great finds with us so we can share them with other Vancouver mothers!
We pack:
- books on CD e.g. The Large Family which is an account of an elephant family!
- music CDs e.g. Bobs and Lolo, and other grown-up favourites
- stainless steel water bottles with water (and ice for hot days)
- our very own BOBOKIDS Secret Agent on the Trail Mix!