When it’s the Christmas season, long trips are inevitable. Chances are very good that you’ll have to take the whole gang on the road (or the air) more than a few times to visit Nana or Pa and other loved ones this holiday season.
For parents of young children, this can be a drag sometimes (the trip not the visit).
And then (parents), despite your best intentions, your well-planned family adventure has turned into a family disaster. The good news is that with a little preparation (okay, sometimes it’s more than just a little), it is possible to beat the boredom blues!
- Kid-Friendly Apps
A growing number of parents these days would like to reduce the amount of time their kids spend with tablets and smartphones. That said, technology can serve a purpose, particular on a road trip, when you’re scrambling for ways to stave of boredom, distract the kids from squabbling, or to keep yourself calm. Many kids’ tablets come pre-loaded with fun, educational apps. And you can download plenty of others for free or not very much. - Portable DVD Players
Bring a portable DVD player and bring along your kids’ favorite movies or TV shows. This should give you anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours of peace on the road or in flight. - “Busy Boxes”
Busy boxes are a great way to combine your child’s favorite activities into a portable container. Try filling a shoebox with toy cars, Legos, dolls, or other items. You can even get the kids to decorate their own boxes before or during the trip with stickers and markers. - Car Games
Who doesn’t love a good round of “I Spy” or ‘The License Plate Game”? These and others that you can make up on your own are great ways to pass the time and add a few laughs to your trip.
