Trifter

Thanksgiving is a few days away and many will be heading out to visit family and friends.   Some trips will be short, some medium, and some long.   The long trips can be the most challenging when children are involved.   Boredom can set in as soon as the car hits the end of the driveway so here are a few tips that may help alleviate the boredom for the children and a parents frustration.

Portable dvd players ~ These things can be a life saver as a movie or two can last the entire trip.   I would suggest renting or buying a movie that the kids have not seen as it will keep their interest longer.  

CD players ~ If your child or children are into music, bring these and bring a nice variety of cd’s.   Of course you may have to ask your child to stop singing with the music because they will have no idea that they are singing so loudly or off key.   If this is impossible, you may want to bring your own earplugs.  Do not forget spare batteries.

Books ~ Stop by the library with the kids a few days before heading out and pick out some books that might keep the children occupied on the trip.    Many kids love to read and this can also keep them busy for long periods of time.

Notebooks and writing supplies ~ Most kids like to doodle or color so bringing some notebooks or drawing pads can be enjoyable.   The trick is to let them know ahead of time that it is sometimes hard to draw perfect pictures in a moving vehicle.  

Hand held game systems ~ If you take these along, make sure you have the kids charge them the night before so that the batteries will not run down in the middle of the trip.   Also, bring more than a couple of games.   The more they have to choose from, the better.

Snacks ~ This is probably the most important part of taking a trip.  The kids usually will start asking for snacks shortly after getting in the car.   So, you can either bring a lot of snacks or schedule snack times in the car.   Make sure you have a drink for each of them.   Preferrably in a container that is as spillproof as possible.

So, there is my list and I will be checking it tomorrow night so that we can be ready to go early Thursday morning.   If anyone has any extra tips, please feel free to add them.   I always appreciate new ideas.