Sure, it takes some planning to have a successful road trip with young children. But it can be fun, and in the long run it helps to create kids who are great in the car.

My husband & I prefer to "road trip" everywhere - and now our children love it as well. It's an adventure that we all look forward to. Road trips provide something that we all don't get enough of....time with each other. With the busy hustle & bustle of everyday life, it's nice to get out on the open road with your partner & your kids and just have time together.

The key is to plan, but not over plan. Stressing out before you leave will make you a miserable person come time to go. Just make sure you have some snacks, some coloring books, an electronic game if they choose, and music you all enjoy. Interact with your children in eye-spy games, silly conversations, and talk of the destination. But also allow your children their own time, playing a game or coloring in quiet. This time, allows some valuable conversation time for you & your spouse.

Don't place yourself on too strict of a time schedule - allow for pit stops, and unplanned stops to see a nice view, or stop at a place you didn't know was there.

Our life is hectic, and just when it seems to all be too much - we hit the road, literally. Our son told us his dream vacation.... "a family RV trip across country". Now that's a road trip!

Learn more about this author, Tonia West.
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