by Bethany Harvey

Created on: September 22, 2009   Last Updated: September 26, 2009

Riding in a car with toddlers for a short distance can be fun for you and your toddler. To the store, the park or friend's house is a joy. Your toddler knows where you are going and that you will soon be there. When they get there the rewards. Seeing a favorite family member, getting a treat or going on their favorite slide. The cause and effect of short ride gets reward is what helps your toddler be happy and cooperative for you to get to your destination pleasantly. Take your toddler farther however is more difficult to endure for you and your little co-pilot. Tempers flare, angry words are said and your car ride becomes a battle field.

Well, there is hope. Your car trip doesn't have to be that way. If you decide to take a car ride with your toddler and just grin and bear it. You are not alone. There have been many times that I have had to take my toddler with me, especially alone, just her and myself. I have felt at times that I was on mission impossible. I have ended up with a headache and my daughter screaming. Well, since then I have learned a few things a long the way. Read on to find out how I survive a car ride with my daughter and we actually have fun. She is much more willing to go with me if I have a selection of the following ideas with me. Pick and choose what fits you and your child and budget. Fit these ideas to your family and have a great car ride.

1. Snacks and drinks. Never ever leave home without these. Even a short trip can be ruined if you have a thirsty or hungry toddler in your back seat. Pick low sugar, no caffeine and no spill treats. For snacks graham crackers, cut up grapes, cheese and crackers, cheese sticks, pretzels, or crackers are great. Individual servings of fruit are great too. Things high in protein and low in salt will keep your toddler full longer and if they can feed themselves it will entertain them for a little while. For drinks choose 100% juices or water. These are lower in sugar and no caffeine to keep your child hyper. Water is best but juice is the next best if your toddler won't drink water plain. Milk is the last choice as it needs to be kept cold and can sour too easily. If you are taking a cooler with you already then a supply of whatever milk your toddler drinks can be included. Don't forget sippies, bottles,extra cups or whatever your toddler drinks out of.

2. Plan your trip. Map out your directions and instructions ahead of time. High lite your route and pre-program your GPS. Plan to stop every 2 hours

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