Conquering the Car Ride

So the games only lasted for 2 � hours of the 12-hour car trip, how else can you keep your kids occupied for another 9 � hours? These no fail travel tips will make the time fly:

• If your body can handle it, leave late at night or really early in the morning. The object is to travel when your kids are most likely to be asleep.
• If money is not an issue, the portable TV/VCR is a great way to keep kids entertained. Make sure you bring movies that the whole family likes.
• Hand held video games (with the sound turned down, so as not to frighten the driver)
• Numerous tapes
  • Books on tape
  • Sing-along tapes
  • Movies on tape
• Kids Pack - Each child gets his/her own backpack that they can take whatever they want. As long as it fits in the bag and isn't breathing it should pass. Some suggestions could be:
  • Their favorite book
  • Coloring books
  • Crayons
  • Legos
  • Washable markers
  • Stickers
  Remember not to pack anything in the car that could get too messy such as PlayDough or games that have small pieces that could get easily lost like Monopoly. Also, if you really want to be a great parent in your kids eyes, pack each of them a present and surprise them along the way.