Thanks to Fiat of West Palm Beach for sponsoring today’s tips! All opinions are my own.
I get it. Road trips with kids are hard. Toddlers and young children can be impatient, dirty, little-bladdered and a handful in the car. (Or the plane, train or bus!) Fiat of West Palm Beach and I are here to drive home (get it? …heh heh) some tips to make your next road trip a little easier. Try one, two or the whole list to get your little travelers in a better backseat mood!
1. Join AAA. Be prepared. Always know that by no fault of your own, you could end up stranded or in an accident. There are some crazy drivers and unexpected weather out there! A simple AAA membership not only protects your car with jumps, gas, tire help and tows, it also protects you as a passenger (and any car you happen to be riding in!) Along with your auto membership, make sure your tires are properly inflated, your oil is changed and all automobile checkups are up to date! Keep emergency numbers in the glove compartment as well as emergency contacts.
2. Make your kids HELP! Get them involved. Since the trunk is going to be packed to the brim, get your kids to carry out their backpack, pillow or activity books to their seats. They can help put smaller bags into the car, make sure the pup stays in the house, or open and shut doors. On the road, allow your older kids to hold, read and help with the map, or GPS. Smaller kids can look for street signs while the GPS lists out directions. If your kids can help, it will keep them involved and draw more interest to travel.
3. Independent Quiet Toys/ Activities: The last thing you want to hear incessantly in your ear is, “Are we THERE YET?!” Even worse? “Sister keeps TOUCHING me!!”. Avoid these pitfalls by picking out independent and quiet activities like a magna-doodle, stickers, coloring or music with headphones. New technology options like an iPad in a kid proof box can allow kids to play educational apps or watch a movie on super long trips.
4. Bring a potty… and stickers… and wipes…: a potty training toddler can wreak havoc on your road trip. A travel potty or his/her familiar small potty will be a welcome sight instead of the “scary” autoflusher… If you don’t have room for a travel potty, then consider some $1 store stickers. These weak adhesives work perfectly to block the visual sensors of an automated toilet. Cleansing hand and face wipes (not sanitizer) are a greener and healthier way to get kids to clean up after potty stops, and they double to clean up after food messes!
5. Use the state rest stops: Sure, you can use the above tips for the state stop potties, but I’m talking about all that green area!! You’re sure to find ample parking, as well as an open space to stretch your legs. Play a quick game of tag, search for flowers, or step into the building to grab some new maps and brochures to color on. Stay as long as you need to!
6. Use the hotel pool!!: For longer road trips, or out of town stays, you may be staying at a hotel that has a pool! If this is the case, be sure to take a lap (or five) before you resume your drive and wear out your kids! They will nap, get along, and ride easier if they are worn out.
7. Snack it up: Praise the snack! Be it healthy, or a cheat sweet, pack yourself and your kids some snacks. It will save beaucoup bucks at the vending machine, fast food joint or other establishment. If you have a whiny toddler, it may be because they are hungry! Juice boxes or small milks can fit in a lunchbox size cooler, keeping everything fresh and at hand. Older kids may be able to help themselves to portioned containers that you have packed up.
8. Always expect the worst: This strange piece of advice may be the very best one. My family always calls me a pessimist in these situations, but if you are expecting the worst, tantrum filled, juice explosion of a trip, anything that happens will seem a success. Pack for your worst case scenario, and it will allow you to feel more prepared. Above everything, try to ENJOY your trip and take everything in stride!
Stop by Fiat of West Palm Beach to see what kinds of vehicles they might have for your family’s next trip!
Stop by Fiat of West Palm Beach to see what kinds of vehicles they might have for your family’s next trip!
The fun for me at mealtime is listening to the complaints while I am still cooking the food. There is nothing that makes a mother feel more appreciated, not!
Lol, I love how he changed his mood that fast. Your kid is super cute! Too funny!
LOL! My boys make me crazy in the morning! They cry hungry, but never eat! Even when I give them exactly what they asked for. They’ll take a few bites and run off.
i’m not a morning person so I feel his pain. i’m glad we are past these stages
I feel like that myself most morning. lol That toast seemed to make it all better though.
LOL! I love these Wordless Wednesday because they give us a little peek into your life. Your baby is just adorable!
I realize this is an older blog post but I am currently on hold with Dorel (the manufacture for Safety 1st products) and they are sending a different product because I have the same issue. THESE DON’T WORK. They slip right off and my 1 year old twins can both get them off of our cabinets. Thankfully this company stands behind their products and they are sending me a different style to replace the ones I have.
I’m glad you got the company on the line to correct the problem! We had more success with the old fashioned “push down and pull” type baby proofing! Good luck!
What an adorable baby! Thank you for sharing the video. It’s nice to know more about you and your family 🙂
Your son is very cute!! Thanks for the glimpse into your life lol!!
This is why I leave the having kids to my brother and his wife. If I was having a bad day I might have joined in on the grumpies lol.
OH my gosh, how fickle was he! That was so cute!
That was so cute and soooooo common among all us moms!
I’m not a morning person either. How cute! Great video and idea for a wordless Wednesday! -April
I feel his pain, mornings are not my friend! So cute though.