Traveling with Small Children - Joy or Insanity?

Anyone that has children knows there is a lot more involved in planning a trip when you have little kids to worry about. As new parents, we had no idea that what seemed like a nice little road trip just a few months before would be something entirely different now that we had a child. We didn't have much of a choice when we were to make a 5 hour trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas. Our new daughter was just three weeks old and we were going to my sister-in-laws wedding. That trip was the first of many we would soon take.

A road trip with children can be stressful, or it can be pleasant if you are prepared. We have learned several tricks since having our first of three children five years ago. Number one rule to follow - realize that kids do not travel on time schedules! That was the hardest part for me to learn. Kids can be unpredictable on trips. Schedules are messed up when you are spending hours in a car and kids tend to get restless and cranky. That's where the "mommy" bag comes in. I keep little games and toys in my special trip bag that they do not have at home. Coloring books and colored pencils (no crayons though, they melt!) are always a good distraction for a ten minutes or more depending on the child. New toys are always a hit in our car. But if you want Daddy & Mommy to stay sane, make sure they don't make noise! Travel games and glow sticks are wonderful distractions. Kid's music can be fun to sing along to for a few minutes each hour.

I personally love the DVD player! It is wonderful to put a movie on after the kids start to wear out from the mommy bag. The after the movie they are ready to get back to our new toys and games. We are also happy with the Leapster game system the older two received for Christmas. They are educational and fun for the kids. On our ten hour trips to see Grandma and Grandpa, they are easily entertained with the Leapsters.

Food is very important as we all know when kids get hungry, they get grouchy! We always have a stash of snacks available. From carrot sticks to fruit snacks, the possibilities are numerous. The more options you have the better. There will be times when the child really doesn't want another fruit snack, so you have to be prepared with variety. Fluids are also important. While juice boxes are handy, I also make sure to bring plenty of water. For smaller children we empty all but ¼ of the water out so if it spills it won't be such a huge mess. Don't get comfortable with sport tops as they spill too! Of course with fluids comes the need for bathroom breaks if your children are potty trained, or training. Take the time to stop often so you won't have any "I have to go to the bathroom" when you are 50 miles from the nearest rest stop. These breaks are also nice to stretch legs and run off a little energy before heading out again.

While road trips can be a daunting task, with correct planning they can be wonderful experiences to learn about the world around us and great family bonding. I love traveling with my children now that I have learned how to entertain them. Besides, I would feel silly stopping at the world's largest ball of yarn if I didn't have the kids with me. With the kids around, I get to see all the silly things adults don't normally stop for. That is true joy.