For many people, a road trip is seemingly the best,safest way to travel this yearamid thepandemic.
Here are nine brilliant strategies to keep the peace on family road trips.
Plan scenic stops along the way.
Abbey Lossing
My partner and I drive down to Florida with our two-and-a-half-year-old multiple times a year.
That means plotting in some walking,hiking, and stretching stops with scenic views throughout the trip.
Bring simple art supplies.
Draw, stick all over the car, repeat, she tells SELF.
Molly also brings along lap desks andcoloring booksas another form of entertainment.
Strategically hand out the toys.
If you give them all to the kiddos upfront, they arent as fun, she tells SELF.
She avoids sticker books, though: I do not want to clean that up.
Plan a scavenger hunt.
It gives them some buy-in and also a bit of competition to keep them motivated.
Downloadallthe audiobooks and podcasts.
Molly suggests using Spotify (they have a whole Disney library) and also checking what your library offers.
Preview everything and confirm you like it too!
Plan drives around their sleep schedule.
Sometimes, not messing with your little onessleepschedule is the best way to keep everyoneincluding parentshappy.
We put her in PJs, read a book, and then hit the road.
Corie N., 30, has done the same.
We were both tired when we got home, but at least she was well-rested!
This is especially important if youre planning to stay at a hotel for just one night along the way.
It makes it so much easier than fishing out everyones bag and hauling them all in and out.
Or, think outside the suitcase.
I would load them right into the back of the car and it was like a traveling dresser.
It kept things organized and contained versus suitcases or duffels spilling all over the floor.
And no unpacking necessary once you arrive!
Dont feel bad about using electronics.
Its really the only way for everyone to do their own thing and maintain peace.
The best way to not get a request every 30 minutes for abathroombreak?
Get everyone on the same schedule.
Every rest stop includes a potty break for all to synchronize our schedules, says Amy.
Even those who claim they dont have to go.
And during those stops, venture to get rid of some pent-up energy.
In her experience, theres a lot less fighting among kids when everyones a little tired out.
This article is presented by Volvo.
