by Charlene Davis

Created on: August 17, 2008

Most parents noticeably wince when making preparations for a long road trip, and for good reasons. They are anticipating the age-old questions and declarations of, "Are we there yet?" "How much longer?" "Mom, Bobby's touching me!" or "I gotta go potty - NOW!"

While I can't promise that your testy travelers will turn into angelic adventurers, I can offer some helpful tips to cut back on stress yours and theirs:

- To offer more leg and elbow room, as well as eliminate cries of someone being squished, strategically pack suitcases and boxes, along with other things that will not be needed during the trip, in the vehicle's trunk, cargo area, or on the roof top. This should include hang-up clothes make it a point not to have any. Wrinkles are a lot easier to deal with than temperamental munchkins. Besides, the clothes would be more wrinkled with the kids crawling all over them.

- Give each child a plastic box with a lid to store their books, games, toys, etc. and to help keep the vehicle from getting cluttered. Plus, the lid can be used as a desktop and/or to hold food and snacks.

- Wrap up small, inexpensive toys, books or games from the dollar store that can be handed out during restless times or as good behavior rewards during the trip. The kids will look forward to these treats, and will enjoy the added bonus of unwrapping their surprises.

- Bring along plastic grocery or trash bags that can be used to store dirty laundry, wet clothes or trash. Also, keep a supply of wet wipes available to clean fingers, faces and accidents, which can then be tossed in the plastic bag for disposal.

- Have plenty of snacks and bottled water on hand. These will help with the grouchies, boredom attacks and cut down on food stops. And when you do have a food, gas or rest stop, bring out a Frisbee or ball to play with for some quick exercise.

- Many vehicles are equipped these days with a VCR or DVD player, but do not fret if yours isn't. Bring along CDs or audio cassettes with stories like the Rescuers Down Under, Dr. Doolittle, etc. These can be played in the car's entertainment deck for everyone's enjoyment, or individually in a handheld player. Audio cassette tapes and CDs can be checked out through your local library, purchased in a bookstore, or rented at places like Cracker Barrel.

- Here's a fun way to teach your children the state capitols: When you're on the road, have someone point out state license plates. The person that sees it will say the state's name and tap another person to name the capitol of that state. If the person tapped doesn't know, he/she will then tap someone else to name the capitol.

- Play the "I Spy" game. First, pick out an object that everyone can see. Then give them a clue by saying, "I spy something _______" (say its shape, color or size). The other players can ask questions about what you see, but you can only answer with "yes" or "no." The first player who guesses what you see, becomes the new spy.

- Little ones who know their colors and numbers can participate in another game where players choose a color such as red, blue, or green and count how many cars of that color they see until they reach their destination. The person who counted the most cars wins that round.

- If you or your child require special medication and/or treatment, take along a letter from your doctor that lists all your medications, dosages, and when to take them, as well as your treatment plan. And, as an added precaution, be sure to have a small first-aid kit in the car.

Enjoy your trip, have fun, and drive safely!

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