Family Road Trip – Four Tips to Survive

Posted on 14. Apr, 2009 by TheCuteKid Photo Contest in Parenting, Tweens

Four Tips to Survive a Family Road Trip

Family fun or insane stress test?

by Jarrod Thalheimer

When you consider the insane cost of flying anywhere, not to mention the body cavity searches they throw in for free, it can sort of take the wind out of your sails when it comes to planning a family vacation. A trip to Hawaii just seems like way too much trouble and effort.

But that’s no reason to give up on a little R&R. Once upon a time, there was a ready-made vacation that was available to anyone with four wheels and a genuine sense of adventure: I can only be referring to a road trip.

A road trip really is the perfect vacation compromise. You can haul almost anything and everything you need right along with you. The schedule is controlled by you instead of the FAA while the cost, even considering rising fuel prices, is still way more affordable than a cruise or a flight, especially for a family.

That said, how do you avoid the dark side of the road trip? You know what I mean. You can hear it already…

“He touched me.”

“I did not.”

“You did too.”

“You’re lying.”

“He touched me again”

“You did it first.”

“Ow, quit it!”

“You quit it.”

“MOM!”

You know that in about one hour your throat will be sore from screaming at the kids, their seats will be sticky from up-ended sodas, and the entire back floor will be littered with enough Goldfish crackers to fill an aquarium. Figure at least two of them will be crying about being pinched, ignored, or painfully hungry, and you’ve got a pretty fair picture of life on the road with a family. And I haven’t even mentioned the bathroom issues.

Never fear. Even Otter and Boon had a few problems when they hit the road. The secret to any successful road trip is as easy as having AAA change a tire. All you need is a little planning, a little more luck, and a large sense of humor.

1. Plan events for everyone

You might think granite cliff faces and acres of blue spruce trees are exciting, but keep in mind that not everyone may share your detailed love of nature. Plan your journey around things or events that will interest everyone as you travel along – maybe a museum here, a park for soccer there, and a waterslide or two after lunch. If each person in the car has something to look forward to each day, the trip is a lot more fun for everyone.

2. Slow down

Don’t act like you’re a Presidential motorcade that, once moving, must not stop for anything. You’re on vacation. Don’t be afraid to stop periodically and take a break. The whole point of taking some time away from the grind is that you’re in no hurry. So, forget trying to set the land speed record from A to B. It’s not a race. Take a deep breath and enjoy the ride.

3. Be open to change

Everyone knows you planned to visit Herb’s Hubcap Hut and Day Spa by 3 p.m. Wednesday, but that doesn’t mean you should speed past the super-giant carnival you happened upon that no one ever expected to see. It’s okay to change your plans and take advantage of whatever surprise fate tosses your way. Herb’s hubcaps will be there tomorrow while this new experience may not. Accept the gifts adventure offers.

4. Relax

Above all else, calm down. It’s a vacation. The kids will spill things, that’s a given. Have plenty of towels and wipes on hand and just clean it up. If you can resist the urge to get excited and yell, you’ll find the kids will take their cues from you. After all, you’re all in it together. Determine up front that you’re going to have the best time you can and promise yourself that you’ll try a little “serenity now” when the journey gets rough. You might just learn a skill or two to take back to work when the trip is all done.

What car games keep your kids occupied?

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Tags: cute kids, family road trip, family vacation, parent advice, parent center, Parenting, parenting advice, parents, parnter-center, teach