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MK
05-12-2001, 01:17 PM
At the end of the month dh will be travelling long distance in the car with the kids. I cannot go, I am still too new at my job to take time off, and I also have to earn $$ to finance the trip, lol.

Anyway, as you all know, travelling with kids is stressful in itself, but even harder when the driver is the only parent going. And, to top it all off, my dh's health is not that great. I'm a bit concerned.

Well, I've been preparing by collecting small things to keep the kids entertained, but now that I will not be there to help, I need more busy boxes than ever!

I came up with a list already: something to be used as a toy chest to put on the seat between the two boys (ages 5 and 7). Preferably a metal lid, so metal toys and pieces can stick to it. The car seat cover also has several nifty pockets for small things to be stored.

magnetic letters and numbers
chalkboard/ dry erase board
static window cling thingies
cards
workbooks/sticker books
pre-recorded stories with a walk-man and headphones
flannel board
miniature travel size board games
list of road trip games, such as I spy, and license plate games, "slug bug", etc.
pinwheels
squirt bottles (the car they are taking has no A.C.)

If you have anymore ideas that I haven't thought of before, please post them! One thing to keep in mind, though, is that my dh is a high-stress, high anxiety driver and can't handle a lot of noise from children singing or clapping or playing with noisy toys, especially where he is prone to migraines. Any ideas need to be things the children can do without his help so he can concentrate on driving undistracted. He will participate in games of road observation, like license plate and slug bug, though, since those games are part of being a good driver anyway. But that's about it.

Thanks in advance for your help!

kat
05-12-2001, 02:37 PM
Well this may not be any help to you at all, since it looks like you've planned a day trip. But, I remember as a child we would leave on long trips to gp's and we'd leave a bedtime. Dad drove all night, kids slpet the whole way. GM had breakfast waiting for us, Dad got to take a nap.

netmechwife
05-12-2001, 03:09 PM
We try to stop at rest stops to let ours run around and stretch a little. Especially if they are in car seats. I just recently realized that sammy's legs would get very tired hanging in the car seat bc he didn't get to shift or set them on the floor like we could.

You also might try wrapping some of the smaller things and having them open one each time you stop or hit certain landmarks ie. state borders?

Hope this helps...

TXmom
05-13-2001, 09:52 AM
As I was reading our post I just kept thinking "Don't do it - stay home" LOL! Sorry, I know that's not what you needed. Good luck to him!

MK
05-18-2001, 06:46 PM
Originally posted by kat
Well this may not be any help to you at all, since it looks like you've planned a day trip. But, I remember as a child we would leave on long trips to gp's and we'd leave a bedtime. Dad drove all night, kids slpet the whole way. GM had breakfast waiting for us, Dad got to take a nap.

Yes, we used to do that. Because of my husband's health however, it is no longer feasible, especially since I am not going to be there to help with the driving. Those quiet nighttime conversations (UNINTERRUPTED) and special time together while the babies slept are cherished memories.

Well thanks anyway. TX Mom, you're too funny, lol!

However, I did go shopping last weekend and picked up all kinds of nifty stuff, and spent too much money too, but it will be worth it. Tonight I impulsively picked up a few more small surprises, and I got the same idea to plan a sort of "treasure hunt"-- write up some "clues" based on certain pit stops or landmarks and have them play a certain game or do a specific activity. Some of those might even center around trying to "capture" some of the moments of the trip for me, so that I can be there in spirit.

homebasics
08-01-2008, 02:07 PM
Here's an article we wrote which should help with travelling with kids at any age. There's lots of tips for games to add to your list.
7 Strategies for Travelling with Kids (http://www.homebasics.ca/viewarticle.asp?articleid=2887)

DMS
08-01-2008, 03:20 PM
I'm not sure, but I think they're home by now :).

I did think it was funny though, I read through the initial post and had the same reaction that I had 7 (!) years ago....it was "Why are you going on this trip?".

I'm actually surprised I posted to this at all, I was smack in the middle of a divorce at that time.

Diane
08-01-2008, 04:19 PM
I'm not sure, but I think they're home by now :).

I did think it was funny though, I read through the initial post and had the same reaction that I had 7 (!) years ago....it was "Why are you going on this trip?".

I'm actually surprised I posted to this at all, I was smack in the middle of a divorce at that time.

:lol: It took me a while before I realized that this was an old post. :) I was wondering why MK and netmechwife were suddenly posting again. ;) Yeah... I think they've probably been home for quite a while now. :lol:

Mickey
08-01-2008, 06:31 PM
I'm not sure, but I think they're home by now :)...

:lol: That was a good one, Donna! :roll: