If ever an opportunity presented itself for boredom for children and parents alike, its a long, tiring car trip. The very nature of children having to stay inside a seat belt for long periods of time breeds boredom. Children love to be on the move....but not by having to sit in one place traveling for too long.

Long car trips do not have to end up with the children being cranky and the parents ready to pull their hair out. Good thinking and planning ahead of time can help reduce the stress of a long car trip for the whole family.

It can become exasperating for parents when asked at five minute intervals, "Are we there yet?" "How much further is it?" Famous questions for parents ever since cars were invented!

The children aren't trying to be difficult. Weren't we once small asking those same questions at some point of our parents? Probably and more than likely, yes!

When taking children on a long car trip, if age appropriate, explain the day before that this will be a long car drive and ask each child to bring his or her favorite comfort toy. Don't forget coloring books and crayons.

Invite the children to draw pictures of their favorite animal or what they think they will be seeing when they arrive at the end of the trip.

Explain to them what fun it will be when you get to the destination. A campsite? Trip to grandmother and grandfather's house? Or perhaps an amusement park. The more involved they become in the preparations, the less likely will be asking those above mentioned dreaded and repeated questions at five minute intervals!

The point is to get them excited about the trip and what is waiting at the end! The more they help in the planning of the trip and its destination, the less apt they are to be bored.

A few surprises along the way will help ease the boredom. Surprises like favorite snacks, a hand held game and especially little side trips off the beaten path so that parents and children can enjoy seeing a point of interest.

An Internet search of the route you are taking can provide some memorable brief "stops along the way". Places of interest for the children and parents which you both can enjoy. Its always fun to experience something new and adventursome.

When stopping at rest areas, be sure to let the children run and play for a good fifteen minutes before continuing on.

This helps relieve their stress and yours if they are allowed to burn a little energy off before continuing on the journey. And the younger they are, the more apt they will be to end up taking a short nap and give Mom and Dad a chance to catch their breath as well.

Learn more about this author, Victoria Rose Perkins.
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