If I had just 10 hours left to live, I’d choose to spend them on a family road trip. Let me tell you, during our last journey, time felt like it stood still—it was a real test of endurance. We traveled from Oregon to Idaho to visit my sister-in-law, and the kids fought over everything imaginable: who got to sit in the “cool seat” (which changed hands multiple times), who devoured all the Doritos, and whose fart was the worst (for the record, the four-year-old definitely won that contest). One child was always too hot while another was perpetually cold, and someone always needed to stop for a bathroom break. I was this close to pulling over and running into the wilderness to never be seen again.
Why do we put ourselves through this? Honestly, I’m not sure. Yet every summer, we embark on these journeys, crossing state lines and wishing minivans came equipped with soundproof barriers to create a peaceful front cabin while the back turns into a chaotic arena. Whoever manages to survive the trip earns a relaxing dip in the hotel pool.
If you resonate with my frustrations about family road trips, you’re not alone. I’m constantly searching for ways to make these obligatory trips more bearable. So, I turned to the internet for help. Here are some standout tips I discovered. You’re welcome.
- “I provide each child with a bag of quarters. Every time they complain or annoy a sibling, they owe me a quarter. If they behave, they can earn some back by the end of the trip. They can spend it on whatever they wish.”
What a clever idea! I spend far more than a bag of quarters on stress relief after a road trip, so it’s a bargain in my book. - “Start your journey early—think around 3-4 a.m. The kids will likely doze off for hours, and the roads will be clear. Or just drive through the night.”
This sounds tough, but for parents who can handle the sleeplessness, it could be a great option. - “Make sure tablets and chargers are packed; also bring along coloring books and sticker sets.”
This is a classic strategy for keeping kids occupied in today’s digital age. - “Implement a star-based reward system: bronze stars for good behavior at rest stops, silver stars for meals, and gold stars for overall good conduct. Overnight hotel behavior earns gold stars too.”
The brilliance here lies in making kids feel like they’re achieving something, all while you cleverly keep them from driving you up the wall. - “Listen to audiobooks that everyone can enjoy and discuss together. We’re currently enjoying ‘Magic Treehouse’ with my little ones, pausing frequently to chat about their feelings and experiences.”
This could be quite effective! Also, consider some engaging podcasts if your kids can agree on what to listen to first. - “Use cookie sheets with magnetic building toys.”
A smart idea! - “Toys and books from the dollar section are excellent because I don’t mind if they get lost or damaged.”
Thank goodness for the dollar section! - “We play Lip-Sync Roulette. Lower the radio volume and flip through stations. The current player has to lip-sync along like a superstar… it keeps everyone entertained for ages.”
I can see this turning into a fun family video! - “Bring empty Gatorade bottles for emergencies because someone always needs to go right after leaving the bathroom.”
While this could be useful, my son’s aim is about as reliable as a Stormtrooper’s, so it might backfire… just saying. - “Purchase giant jawbreakers, the multi-layered ones. Challenge the kids to see who can finish first. This can keep them quiet for hours.”
Aside from sticky hands and faces, this might provide some much-needed silence (assuming your kids are old enough to handle jawbreakers on a long trip). - “Offer unlimited screen time.”
Nothing more to say here.
The truth is, there may not be a foolproof way to completely avoid discomfort during a road trip with kids. However, these tips could certainly help make the experience more tolerable. For more insights on home insemination, check out our privacy policy for further engagement.
In conclusion, navigating family road trips can be a challenge, but with a few clever strategies, you can transform those long hours on the road into more enjoyable experiences.