Whether you’re planning an epic road trip, or simply trying to make it down to the shops together, a family car ride is often a complex challenge. Fraught with tantrums and tears, you might find yourself tackling all kinds of negotiations to get to your destination and back, in one, relative sane piece.
While they’re unlikely to ever go completely smoothly, there are a few everyday things you can do to make your next family car trip that little bit easier. Read on for some useful ideas.
Keep snacks and activities for longer rides
While being bored might actually be good for children’s brains, on a long car ride, it can soon get on everyone’s nerves. So, if you have a big journey ahead, make sure you’ve prepared for it beforehand with plenty of snacks and suitable distractions to help everyone enjoy a relatively easy ride.
Packing your own snacks in small, portion-sized grab bags can help you manage how much extra sugar is in there and avoid sugar-fuelled tantrums or outbursts. Instead of excessively sweet treats, opt for natural goodies, such as dried fruits, nuts or seeds, or homemade popcorn, dusted with a little salt or sugar.
Books and games are helpful, and car rides are one of the best times to use technology as a helpful distraction. Load up tablets with a favourite TV show or movie, arm your kids with their own set of headphones, and enjoy the peaceful drive.
Check safety beforehand
Road accidents are one of the biggest causes of brain or head injuries in children, so make sure that you’ve checked all child seats, belts and other safety equipment in your car beforehand.
Be sure that your child and baby seats are properly positioned, to allow for a comfortable ride. You might also want to check if their clothing is interfering or causing discomfort with straps and buckles – heavy winter layers, for instance, might feel a little too snug or tight in a car seat.
Get involved
Car rides with your kids can be a great way of connecting with them in a more relaxed environment, without the pressure of a more formal face to face chat. The laidback atmosphere of watching the scenery roll past the windows and pleasant tunes on the radio can set the stage for some wonderful and memorable conversations with your children, whatever their age.
Get involved with games yourself, or use the drive as a learning opportunity, talking about your destination or the things that you may see along the way.
The more relaxed environment can also be a great space for encouraging children to open more about what is going on in their lives, so be open to listening without judgement or reaction, and enjoy getting a little closer together.
Of course, when everyone needs a little quiet time, be sure to respect that too – after all, we all need some time to ourselves!
