travelling with children

Prepare Yourself for Your Family Road Trip

We all know that travelling with children by car can be a real challenge for any parent or carer; however by adopting a few of the ideas below we believe that both the driver and our BubbleBum buddies can enjoy the trip.

time for making memories

A car journey of any length provides you with something special that is difficult to find anywhere else; time and more importantly time with each other. You get to spend time together without all the distractions of everyday life. It’s a great opportunity for time to talk, sing, read to each other and play games. There are no dirty dishes, laundry, housework or jobs to steal the moments away from you. It is just you, your family and the open road. This is a fantastic time for the important process of “making memories.” It’s precious time, so don’t waste it. Before long, precious moments like these will be fleeting, and you’ll be asking yourself where it all went.

prepare activities

Getting there really can be half the fun if you’re prepared, so plan ahead with some engaging activities for the road so you can help keep boredom at bay. You must have some activities prepared in advance! What you plan will depend on the ages of your children, their energy levels, their interests and yours. Please keep in mind that it’s not about you entertaining them. It’s about everyone having fun – together – even the driver.

box of tricks

Start by building your own “box of tricks” which is simply a collection of items needed for the activities and games that your family enjoys. Use a small box that will fit easily under the seat, or even just a canvas bag. When you are not travelling, keep this box of car game items stored away and do not let the children play with the items except while you are on a trip. This way they will be new all over again each time you hit the road. It also amplifies the wonder of every item in this special box, and they are all the more appreciated when they have access to it. Instead of dreading the hours in the car, they will anticipate playing with the items in this box.

be happy

Prepare yourself mentally as well. It might not always seem like a picnic, but your attitude will set the tone for the rest of your passengers. Realize that your vacation begins in your driveway, not at your final destination. The minute you all get into the car is when the adventure with your family starts.

Bringing along whatever else you think you might need, but above all — bring your sense of humour and an open mind.