When my two little ones and I embark on our road trips to the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota to visit Grandma and Grandpa, we often find ourselves in the car for around six and a half hours. We make this journey about three times a year, and over time, I’ve collected some handy tips for making the experience as enjoyable as possible. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Keep Your Distance: If you’re a hands-on parent, this one might surprise you. The less you engage with your kids, the less they seem to demand your attention. Sure, you can sing “She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain” until your voice gives out, but I prefer avoiding a backseat revolt.
- Perfect Your Scary Face: As the driver cruising down the highway at 75 mph, you need a secret weapon for when things get chaotic in the backseat. My mom had perfected this look—a combination of fierce and alarming. Practice in the mirror to ensure your kids freeze in their tracks, looking at you like you’ve just turned into a fire-breathing dragon.
- Roadside Relief Mastery: Let’s face it—emergencies happen, especially with small bladders. When you see a “No Services for 1 Billion Miles” sign, you’ll need to pull over. Find a discreet spot, open the doors, and let your little one take care of business—just don’t worry about the legality of it all.
- Snack Attack Prep: Stock your cooler with easy snacks like cheese sticks, sliced fruit, and sandwiches. However, beware of the yogurt tubes and those quirky food pouches—trust me, they tend to create a fruity explosion in the car, and you don’t want that.
- Forget About Potty Training: On long trips, it’s not the time to enforce potty training rules. Just strap a diaper on that little one and drive. You’ll thank yourself later.
- Static Radio for Meltdowns: When a total meltdown occurs, try tuning into AM static. It sounds odd, but sometimes this white noise can calm even the most distressed little ones. They might not understand why you can’t just pick them up, but it might just work.
- Check the Weather: Seriously, don’t risk a road trip in bad weather. I once drove through a snowstorm with a 6-week-old baby, and it turned into a 9-hour ordeal. It was heartbreaking for both of us—so just don’t go there.
- Encourage Scenery Appreciation: Make sure your kids take in the view occasionally. While driving through South Dakota may not be the most exciting, it’s important for them to learn to appreciate nature. My son once asked me, “Do I have to keep appreciatin’ the scenery, Mom?” Yes, yep, you do!
- Audio Entertainment: Forget trying to find music that pleases everyone. Get your kids some headphones and a portable device loaded with movies or games. Meanwhile, treat yourself to an engaging audiobook—who knows, you might even learn something new! Happy Mama Driver = Happy Family.
- Stay Cool and Go with the Flow: You’ll inevitably have moments where you consider throwing your car into park and walking away, but try to dig deep for that well of patience. In the end, you’ll have your revenge when they’re the ones driving you around in the future!
For more insights, check out our guide on home insemination at Home Insemination Kit and learn more about effective artificial insemination techniques from Make A Mom. If you’re looking into pregnancy options, Healthline provides excellent resources.
Summary
Surviving a road trip with kids can be a challenge, but with a few clever strategies—like perfecting your scary face, packing the right snacks, and tuning into AM static—you can make the journey smoother. Keep your cool, encourage your children to appreciate the scenery, and don’t worry about a little chaos along the way.