by SusanBailey

Created on: November 09, 2008   Last Updated: December 01, 2008

Car games to occupy kids while driving

If you've ever travelled with young children in the back of your car then you know how essential it is to have plenty of things to keep them amused.

We all know that children have a low attention span and this, together with having to sit still in a car for hours, can bring forth squabbles, and cries of, "I'm bored" and, "how much further is it?" Unless we have put thought into how we are going to keep the children entertained, the journey is likely to be stressful, not only for you. but for the kids too.

Children, and sitting still in a confined space and in close proximity to siblings, just don't go together, but there are things you can do to keep their minds occupied and thereby making the journey a happy one for you all.

Over the years I've devised games that kept my kids amused and happy on our vacation trips. When they were small, hand held computer games and DVD players weren't available. How I wish they had been as I'm sure they would have kept my kids amused for, at least, part of the journey. These, of course, are good if you have them, but they are unlikely to keep the children quietly amused for the whole journey.

Little minds need constant stimulation and it's good to have alternatives available for when they tire of the electronic devices. The more items you are able to provide for them, the more likely they are to find something to amuse them.

Here is a list of things that you could buy, that aren't too expensive, to help to keep them amused:

Notepads

Colouring books,

Crayons

Pencils

Stickers

Small magnetic games, ideal for car travel as the pieces are less likely to get lost.

Comics or magazines

Puzzle books

CD's of their favourite sing-a-long songs

Some of their favourite snacks and sweets

As well as these it's a good idea to play some games and intersperse these with the other activities. You might like to try some of the following:

1. Give the children a list of things to look for, e.g. someone on a bicycle, a horse, a green car. When they have found everything on the list they win a prize, maybe a little toy or a sweet. Don't make the list of items too long or they will lose interest, but five or six should keep them happily watching out of the window and you will hear excited cries as they are able to cross off another item on their list.

2. For older children making licence plate words can be fun. Tell the children to write down the letters shown on a licence plate. Then they must make as many words as they can that

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