"The wheels on the car go ‘round and ‘round, ‘round and ‘round, ‘round and ‘round’, the whinging in the car goes on and on, all day long…"
"Are we there yet?" is the most dreaded phrase when you’re in the middle of a long car journey. As soon as it’s met with a negative response it’s followed up with "I’m bored!"
Car journeys can be mundane for everyone, so preparation is key. Make sure you have a few tricks up your sleeve to make the trip go by in a flash!
Here are a few ideas to keep everyone entertained on a long stint.
Comic Timing
I still remember the excitement of going to pick out a comic or magazine from the newsagents, and my kids love it too. My toddler often chooses 'Thomas The Tank Engine' or 'Peppa Pig' and my nine-year-old loves 'Ninjago'. A little toy is always included and there are lots of puzzles, pull-outs and games to keep them occupied. Make sure you bring pens, pencils and colours so they can do all the activities!
Book Launch
If you’d prefer to spend your cash on something that they’ll use more than once, a book is a better bet. If the children can read quietly to themselves then you’re in luck, alternatively, an older child could read to their younger sibling. If car sickness is an issue, an audiobook that you can all enjoy listening to will make the journey fly by. The 'Harry Potter' books read by Stephen Fry are a treat for older kids and adults alike.
Please Don’t Stop The Music
If there’s one thing that will put everyone in good form, it’s great music that you can all sing along to. Of course, everyone’s taste might differ substantially, so the kids will have to take it in turns to pick a song. If you think this will be an issue, the other option is to give them a pair of headphones each so they can bop along to their own choice. If you’re in the passenger seat, you’d be forgiven for bringing your own earbuds too – bliss!
Snack Attack
Whatever the question, snacks are the answer! Pack up plenty of healthy treats to dish out on the way and don’t forget to include some for you and your partner too. Good options include crackers, cheese, dried or fresh fruit and cucumber or carrot sticks. Keep the sweets on standby in case of emergency! Of course, you’ll need plenty of water to wash it all down so fill up your reusable bottles before you go.
Back Seat Driver
Last but not least, if you can keep things organised, you’ll save yourself a headache once you get to your destination. A storage organiser that attaches to the back seat will keep everything on display and in reach and will prevent you having to constantly pass things back to them. Get one with lots of different size pockets and pouches that are practically perfect in every way. It’ll almost feel like Mary Poppins herself is giving you a helping hand!
