My parents live just a couple of hours away, and we often embark on family road trips to visit them, especially during the summer. The lure of their pool is strong, and let’s face it, my 5-year-old seems to prefer Grandma’s company over mine!
While my wife and I used to dread these trips, it’s not quite as bad as when we lived ten hours away—back then, we only had to manage one child. Now, though, the shorter travel time is overshadowed by the chaos of two kids squabbling in the backseat.
I know what you’re thinking: two hours isn’t a real road trip for adults. But when you’re a parent, anything beyond a quick trip to the grocery store qualifies as an adventure. You can’t hit the road without packing a veritable arsenal of snacks, toys, games, drinks, and more snacks—because, let’s be honest, kids are notoriously picky.
Road trips, like every other aspect of parenting, can feel like an uphill battle. But what if I told you there’s a way to transform them into enjoyable experiences? Just kidding—flying is not the answer! Not only do you have to deal with the stress of travel logistics, but you also face the judgmental glare of fellow passengers who aren’t thrilled about your kids being on board.
As a child, I cherished road trips, and I suspect my kids do too (at least the one who understands). It’s a different experience as a parent, but they don’t have to be a nightmare, thanks to technology.
Letting Go of the Rules
What’s even more crucial? Letting go of the rules.
Kids often view road trips as the main event, not just a means to get somewhere. I remember kicking off my shoes as soon as we hit the highway; to me, it was vacation time! As a parent, the best way to keep your sanity on a long drive is to embrace that mindset. When you’re confined in a car for hours, your usual parenting tactics (timeouts, sending them to their rooms, or even wine) might not be helpful.
So why not ease up? If you typically limit screen time, throw those rules out the window. We let our five-year-old binge-watch Pixar movies with his own headphones—trust me, I don’t need to hear “Let It Go” 500 times in one day.
And those carefully rationed snacks? Forget it! We stock up on Goldfish, juice boxes, and fruit snacks for the ride, allowing the person in the front seat to focus on driving instead of serving as a snack attendant. Sure, we keep an eye on portion sizes, but otherwise, we let the kids enjoy themselves. A happy kid means a quieter car.
And while I wouldn’t actually suggest giving them boxing gloves to settle their squabbles (that’s a joke!), the underlying message is clear: a lengthy drive can be stressful enough without the added pressure of strict rules.
By saying “yes” more often instead of “no,” you can turn potential tantrums into smiles. A simple “yes” to their requests can lead to a more peaceful journey, while a strict “no” can plunge everyone into a spiral of frustration—especially when you’re stuck in traffic and can’t escape.
So let go of the dread surrounding family road trips. Make the drive a fun part of your adventure by relaxing some rules. You’ll likely find that arriving at your destination feels much more peaceful if everyone has enjoyed the journey.
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This article was originally published on July 30, 2016.
Summary
Family road trips can often feel overwhelming for parents, especially with multiple kids in the backseat. However, by relaxing rules about snacks and screen time, parents can transform these journeys into enjoyable experiences. Embracing a more permissive approach can lead to a smoother ride and a happier family.