Are we there yet? And Other Road Trip Obstacles
“You can tell me the answer to that.” Now you know how to respond each time your child yells from the back of the car, “Are we there yet?”. A simple string tied between the grab handles above the windows in the back seat has a cut out of a car attached to it with a paperclip. I move it every hour or so to show where we are in our road trip journey. “Where is the car located on the string?” “How much longer do you think we have?” Just point at the car on the string and smile. First obstacle overcome.
“She’s touching me!” “He looked at me funny!” Pay up! I made three coins for each of my daughters to “spend” if they complained while on the road trip. They would have to pay me one of their coins if negative words came out of their mouths. I would silently zip my lips if they were out of coins. Too bad. You are all out of coins to say anything else negative.
In another blog, I mentioned having a prize table. I have one for road trips too. Go to the dollar store and load up on simple and cheap gifts. When your child has made it a while without complaining, asking are we there yet, or kept themselves entertained, hand out a prize.
Simple crafts can keep your kids entertained during a long drive. My favorites include simple pipe cleaners and aluminum foil. Give a category to your kids and have them create away. Have them make animals, jewelry, hats… It is a simple and clean craft to do in the car.
My background is in Child and Family Studies and Early Childhood Education. I love a good book paired with a literacy project or a math activity that includes counting items you pass along the road. All you need is a notepad and have your child write and illustrate a story about your road trip adventure. Have them make up destinations and characters that they think would make the car ride more fun. In the same notepad, have them keep a chart of how many cows you pass o the drive or have them predict how many white, black, or gray cars you will pass within 15 minutes. There are many ways to incorporate literacy, math, and science into your road trip.
Your local library is a great resource for road trip entertainment. You can check out books about the states you are driving through and have a pop quiz over key facts. Or have them match a picture in the book with something they see on the car drive. Most libraries also have a great variety of DVD’s and CD’s.
Be the annoying parent that plays horrible music. This is your time to introduce your children to your favorite music. They are strapped in and cannot leave the car. What was on your favorite mixed tape? Make a playlist with all the songs and introduce them to your kids.
If this sounds like too much work, no worries. Intentional Itineraries can put together activity kits specially designed for your child based on age, interests, and length of road trip. Happy driving to all!