Parenting Tips: Road Trips with Children

Taking long road trips with children can be difficult. During the past three years I have moved from Utah to Texas, from Texas to Oregon, from Oregon to Arkansas, and from Arkansas to Oregon. Each trip took us several days to get to our destination. Then there are the shorter trips we have made where we were only going 50 miles. When you travel with children you need to be prepared.

Snacks
When traveling with kids you need to remember to bring along snacks. The best road trip snacks are ones that won't make a mess in the car. Road trip snacks can be simple prepackaged foods such as crackers, chips, and soda. I have been known to bring along cereal, gold fish crackers, granola bars, fruit snacks, and beef jerky when we go on long road trips.

Drinks
Bringing a cooler so you can enjoy cold beverages on your road trip is a good idea also. If you do not give your kids enough fluids, especially during the summer, your children will get dehydrated and sick. Just remember when you bring kids on road trips if you give them too many fluids they will have to go to the bathroom more often.

Clothing
Dress your kids appropriately for the road trip. If it is cold outside they should be wearing warm clothing but don't make them wear a coat when your car heater is keeping it 70 degrees inside the car. Keep coats close by so you can put them on your children when you take bathroom breaks.

Bathroom
Make the most of your bathroom breaks. Sitting in one spot for hours on end is difficult for children. Use bathroom breaks to get the wiggles out during your road trip. Have your children get out of the car and let them run, play, and stretch their legs. Getting some fresh air and stretching out your legs will make everyone on the road trip feel better.

Activities
I always bring along road trip activities to keep my kids occupied. We play I spy with the kids on road trips. Treasure hunts are another favorite of my kids. We take turns being the one to make up a list of things you need to find before everyone else finds them. We usually give a list of a few animals and sometimes even certain colors of cars. This helps to take your kids minds off of being stuck in the car during your road trip.