Traveling With Kids: Big Adventure or Big Headache?

kurhan / Shutterstock

70 Miles

A 70 mile trip is likely going to be a day trip, possibly an adventure into another city, with the whole family returning home at night. The little ones will be in the car with you about 1 or 2 hours. Not too scary, right? That opinion might change if everybody is cranky. It doesn’t take long for a few minutes of ear shredding screaming or repeated “She’s touching me!” to erode the good mood of even the most cheerful parent.

With a little pre-planning, you can do this! You can arrive at your destination relatively stress free and with most of your sanity intact. A large part of the secret to road trip success is packing a big bag of cool items to dole out along the route as the need arises. Give the bag a name. How about the magic bag, treasure chest or princess’s purse?

Fill the bag with age appropriate snacks, if possible not too sugary (to keep things mellow), not too messy, require few or no utensils, and try to get new and interesting snacks the kidlets have never seen before. Throw in some inexpensive toys, games and easy craft items that again are completely new to the kids. Kids get bored easily and love to explore something new.

• Take frequent breaks. Plan extra time into your schedule for bathroom breaks, diaper changes, baby nursing or for when somebody inevitably needs to get out and run around in a field catching bugs for a little while.
• Plan for the unexpected. Carry a first aid kit, everybody’s health card, kids’ pain relief and nausea remedies, barf bags (hey, it happens!), change of clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, wet wipes, paper towels or tissues.
• Be comfortable. Dress yourself and the kiddos in comfy clothes. Bring pillows, blankies, favorite stuffed animals, soothers or any other items that might encourage tranquility, or better yet a nap. Hint: get in the car just before nap time and your precious cargo just might sleep the entire way!