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SALT LAKE CITY -- Visiting family during the holiday season is important to many people.
It is to us.
So we go through the annual ritual of loading up all four of our kids into the minivan and driving east 545 miles to Grandma's house. I've done road trips before with my two oldest kids, but last year was our first road trip with twins (they were all of 3 months old). I knew it would be a lot of work, and I was right.
Just getting packed required focus. It took seven loads of laundry to get all the clothes ready and four suitcases to pack them. Add to that a cooler, cosmetic bag, two diaper bags, pillow pets, blankets, boppy pillows, a double stroller and the van was bursting at the seams — even without any actual people.
- Entertain With Ease
- Stagger Treats and Toys
- Prepare for the Unexpected
Even so, I was optimistic about the trip. I was ready to entertain the kids for the 10-hour drive. I was prepared for anything, or so I thought.
We were barely on the road. I got everyone settled in and moved from the middle seat to the front passenger seat. Just seconds after I clicked my seat belt, I heard from the back seat, "Mom! I have to throw up!" I did a mad dash to the back seat, managing to grab a plastic bag on my way. Unfortunately, I was not quick enough.
Road trips are undoubtedly stressful. Rarely does everything go as planned. Here are a few tips and tricks (some I learned the hard way) to help you reach the end of your journey before you reach the end of your rope:
ENTERTAIN WITH EASE
DVD Player with Headphones
A portable DVD player is a life saver. I’m not sure how our parents survived without them. Our van’s DVD system even has headphones so my husband and I don't have to listen to the "Grinch" stealing Christmas again this year.
With over 28,000 Redbox locations nationwide, renting new movies is so convenient. Our family picks up a few as we head out of town and we switch them out for new ones when we stop for gas and a potty break.
Remember Batteries
For long road trips we also travel with two hand-held gaming systems. Between the gaming systems and the DVD headphones, it takes four AAA batteries and 10 AA batteries to make sure everything is ready to go.
Color Wonder
My children also love to draw and color while we drive. I rely on Crayola’s Color Wonder sets for art projects in the van. Color Wonder markers only work on Color Wonder paper and coloring books. This makes them very kid-friendly. I know the kid’s clothes and the interior of the van are safe.
STAGGER TREATS AND TOYS
Car-Friendly Snacks
Prepare baggies of your children’s favorite treats and stagger them by handing them out at rest stops. It may also be helpful to bring along a cup with a lid for each child to keep in their nearest cup holder.
Adventure Toys
On our family road trip last summer, I prepared adventure bags for my bigger kids. In their bag was a notebook with iconic signs and landmarks I knew we’d see along the way. They were on the look-out. When they found each picture, they were rewarded with a brown paper lunch sack containing a snack and toy from the dollar store. This kept them interested on the trip and minimized the “Are we there yet?” questions.
PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Keep Essentials Easy to Reach
Pack a family medicine bag and keep it near the front where it’s easily accessible. It is also a good idea to keep a change of clothes for young children handy, not packed away in a suitcase in the bottom of the trunk. Numerous times I’ve needed extra clothes for my kids. I’m always grateful when they are easy to get to.
Expect Sickness
I only wish I had expected someone to get sick during that long drive to Denver last fall. I should have been more prepared. My neighbor suggests bringing a cup with a lid, wet wipes and water to use in case someone feels sick. A friend of mine from college says her kids use Queasy Pops Kids! Lollipops to help ease their queasy, car-sick stomachs.
Prevent Potty Accidents.
One of my sons always peed through his diaper on long trips. I would place a plastic bag between his bum and the car seat to keep things as dry as possible. We tried to stop often and change him often but that bag saved us on a number of occasions.
When we traveled with potty training kids, I actually toted around a portable training toilet. There were many occasions I was glad I could pull over, get out the potty and avoid an accident.
"Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go" is never really as easy as it sounds. Hopefully even just a few of these tips can make your modern-day voyage to Grandma's just a little bit easier this year.
Nicole and her husband are raising four children, seven years and younger, including twin boys. She knows holiday memories are worth the effort. Nicole owns Sidewalk Communications,LLC and now blogs at www.MyEverthingElse.com.
