How to Keep My Kids Happy During Holiday Travel

I'll be straightforward with you. I don't have any kids of my own, but I do have a very energetic nephew and niece. Whenever I babysit them, it seems like the only thing they want to do are play video games and watch TV. It's totally unhealthy for them, so I'm always trying to get them outside for walks and exercise. But here's the problem: when it comes to a busy holiday trip, parents like you really need the help! I've developed some things that I've learned with my nephew and niece that may help you out. Maybe these five things will keep your kids entertained throughout the holiday travel.

Give them something to look at or look for. Kids these days are so visually stimulated. I remember when I asked my nephew and niece to help me look for a birthday card at a Walgreen's. They were so excited that they could never find one that they completely liked. And guess what, they always picked up the ones that were the most colorful and artsy. So if you're in the car, ask your kids to look for a certain house or ask them to count the trees that go by. You'll find that they'll stick at it for quite a while.

Talk to them. Did you know that a baby can recognize the sound of its mom's voice after birth? That's amazing isn't it? Kids are stimulated by sound! Your kids want to talk to you, and what better time to talk to your kids when you're travelling. My nephew and niece ask me questions all the time and I can never answer them all. So if you're on the plane and your kid is wondering how planes work, give them a small lesson in physics. Talking to your kids go a long way. Otherwise, a nice story works very well.

Get the competition going. If you have more than one kid with you on your holiday travel, competition will keep your kids occupied forever. We are all born with the natural tendency to want to succeed and surpass the people around us. I remember my niece telling me how much taller she is than her brother. And I asked her brother, "What are you good at that's better than your sister?" He replied, "I can jump higher." Certainly, he could jump higher. Soon, both of them were pulling out things abilities and characteristics that made them better than the other. This is really great for boosting your kid's self-esteem too as he or she is finds qualities that make them unique from others.

Become the riddle master. Just like adults, kids hate not knowing something. I gave my nephew and niece a riddle, and they wanted to solve it for themselves. Even when I said that I would give them the answer, they screamed, "Give me more time! More time!" Plus, when your kids to figure out the answer to a riddle, they'll feel accomplished and happy. By the way, the bonus is that your kids will also share the riddles with their other relatives when you reach your destination. It makes your kids stand out a lot!

Bring their portable video games. You've probably bought some type of portable video game player for your kids when you realized that they won't stop nagging you for it. So this is the last resort if you truly are too busy to interact with your children. Their little portable video game player will keep them entertained and busy for hours until the batteries run out. So pack the charger and be prepared for when that happens.

Food for thought: your kids are precious gifts. Interacting with them and enjoying their company is the best way of keeping your children occupied during the holiday season. Besides, it'll really make you relationship with your children strong. Happy holidays.