by Magnus Smith

Created on: May 22, 2008

I feel sorry for my kids when they are stuck in the car for long journeys; it's not their fault they get bored, what can you expect? So it's our duty to really make an effort and keep them going somehow.

Games can pass the time if you have enough energy to keep them going, and this can be a hard task if you are driving too. If you have an adult passenger, then they need to be the one in charge of entertainment. If the driver is on duty, it may be safer to consider buying a portable DVD player to keep the kids amused. They are so cheap these days, and whilst we don't like to let our children watch too much telly, this is one time where we can treat the poor little things who are strapped down for 3 hours! You don't need screens on every headrest, we have managed with one small player resting on a plank of wood in the middle of the seat (so it is right between the backs of the front seats).

THE GAMES

Without props, most car games have to be based around looking, speaking and singing. Singing is a great one if you are confident enough to lead. Don't be embarrassed, your children are not going to mind! Sing all your favourites, or even let them pick a tune they know, and just sing "la la la" if you don't know the words. It's a great way to expel energy when your body is restrained in a car seat. Any CD/tape can become a kareoke competition! Alternatively, invest in some story tapes, and maybe even let each child have a 'walkman' with headphones so you don't all have to listen to the same thing.

Word games are secretly education, but don't let them realise! The classics like I-spy can be extended and developed to lead to new variations. You can think of any number of themes for "I went to market and bought..." (taking turns to think of something for the letters A-Z), and this really works your memory as you recite the whole list as it grows.

My favourite as a child was based on cars (well, there are always plenty to be seen out of the window); counting car colours, trying to think of a car brand for each letter of the alphabet, inventing acronyms to fit the letters on a number plate....

If you can prepare in advance, a cardboard box in middle of the seat can be filled with pencils, paper, books, and little toys that amuse the hands. Include some random/weird grown-up items that they don't usually get to play with; an old phone, an egg whisk, a tiny box. Magnetic games may work, but someone always drops a piece and you can't quite reach it.

OTHER TOP TIPS

Food keeps children

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