Avoiding Stress when Traveling with Children

Traveling with children can be one of the most mind boggling experiences, especially when you have more than one child traveling in a near-by capacity to the other. Can you say fighting, bickering, crying, and throwing things? A lot of people don't like to travel specifically because of this reason, trust me I have contemplated many times to never go on another trip with my three children. I don't even like traveling to the store sometimes with the kids together in close proximity to each other. Fortunately, I have found several really good ways to travel with children and not be pestered on those long trips and actually enjoy the scenery; and I am not talking about spending lots of money on an RV. So moms and dads it is time to learn how to enjoy that infamous drive to your vacation spot.

Ok, this might cost a little, but honestly what doesn't cost anything now a days? Go somewhere like Wal-Mart and by yourselves those portable DVD players that strap to the backs of you head rests. If you already have a DVD player then you completely understand when I tell you that this is probably the best traveling life saver when you have kids. These are not that expensive and you can even get the dual DVD systems for vehicles that come with all the necessities to include a remote control for you to control the sound and movie and a game controller for the gamers. This will help them pass time on the trip and keep them from fighting or bugging about how much further you have to go. I believe this is one of the most valuable travel tools when traveling with children. What if you don't want to spend the money, what else is available to bide your childrens time?

Ok honestly, if you don't want to spend any money to get your children to be satisfied and off your tale while traveling then get ready for "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "The Wheels on the Bus go Round and Round." If your crafty you could come up with something I am sure but the fun stuff that will keep your kids attention off the road will cost you something, I mean hey the goal is for everyone to have fun on the vacation and this includes the road trip. Cheap items for your kids include things like: crayons and coloring books, story books for the readers, their favorite toys from the toy box, and really anything that makes the kiddo(s) happy on a normal basis. Honestly though this will probably only last a short while and they will soon grow bored and that is when chaos once again breaks loose.

Other options that may cost a little bit, but are well worth the buy for trips are such things as the Nintendo DS, the small hand held electronic games, the PSP by Playstation, small traveling board games that several people can play, etc... These types of items may cost you a little bit, but your kids will love you for it and you will love the fact you bought them as this will keep your kids busy for a longer period of time. The more items the better as they can switch between the activities, which will make them tired and hopefully go to sleep eventually. Plus, all these items are usually small enough to fit in the seatpockets or in a small bag on the floor board, so you don't have to worry about the vehicle getting trashed.

Now what I am about to recommend is most definitely a life saver, doesn't cost that much, keeps the kids from getting vehicle sickness, and helps them sleep. This is completely optional to the parent and please read all the directions and side effects of the use of these items. These items may not be suitable for every family with children on a vehicle trip. Everytime we travel we buy a little bottle of Bonine or Dramamine for children. These come in chewable tablets and are suitable for children, plus they don't taste that bad if you get the children tablets. There are usually only 10 - 20 tablets in the package or bottle. These are great for those children that get car sickness or even if you want a little peace and quiet for a little while. The car sickness will not be present for the length of the medicine in their system and you might even get some peace and quiet while they sleep. NOTE: they will not sleep the whole trip just for an hour or so, like a nap. This is only an idea for you to utilize as a parent, please use it at your discretion.

The last idea is only if you are trying to get to your destination and are not worried about viewing the scenery. If you drive at night your children will sleep almost the entire trip and you won't have to worry about the bickering and fighting. I have done this a few times on longer trips and it works wonders. I do not recommend doing this if you are the sole adult traveler. This is more for an entire family where at least two adults are available. Traveling at night is dangerous and fatigue sets in much quicker, so please use this option safely.

If you utilize at least one of these ideas you will have better travel, if you utilize a combination of the ideas your travel will be one to remember and not regret. Good luck on your travels with your children, drive safely, buckle up, always remember safety first, and by all means have a wonderful family vacation full of pictures and memories that will last a lifetime.