"Are we there yet?" It's a question as timeless as travel when children are along for the ride.
Yet with a little planning, parents can help make the time pass quickly and happily for everyone - including the kids."The first mistake parents make is to assume children will be entertained by the journey," says Geoff Sundstrom of the American Automobile Association.
"Children's attention spans are shorter than that of adults. Even if scenery is constantly changing, they still lose interest quickly."
Sundstrom says the second mistake parents make is to assume that children will be able to entertain themselves, or find something to do when they get bored in the car.
"The confinement of a car is difficult for children, even more so when they are secured by safety or seat belts," he said.
"They don't have the freedom to clamber upstairs or run outdoors when their high-energy bodies get bored and restless so naturally, frustration follows."
Sundstrom offers the following tips:
- Make sure children are dressed comfortably. Choose comfortable, casual clothes that are cool or warm enough for the ride. Don't pick clothes that will "send you over the edge" if food spills on them.
- Keep a variety of special snacks on hand - raw fruit and vegetables, low-fat crackers and cookies.
- Pack a favorite toy or two. Familiar playthings are reassuring and calming for children away from home.
- Bring along an instant camera. Use it to create a photo travel log with instant pictures of places you visit or stops along the way. "The excitement of taking and watching instant photos develop can provide hours of auto travel fun for children, and you will be able to share your trip with friends and family when you arrive," Sundstrom says.
- Even if it's not music to your ears, let the kids pick a radio station they like. If your car has a cassette player, bring recorded stories and songs that are family favorites.
- Stop frequently, about every two hours or 100 miles. Check your map in advance and plan stops at interesting sites, such as a park, special store, or attraction.
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The American Automobile Association's "Travel Activity Book" ($4.95) is available at many bookstores and most AAA offices.