How to survive a road trip with kids

My husband and I took our kids (ages 1, 4, and 9) on a 14 hour car drive for our winter vacation last week. Yes, I said 14 hours. Each way. 

I'd like to say that was a one-time thing but we live in Canada where the nearest city is six hours away. And in fact, even when we fly, we regularly make 4-hour trips down to Fargo just to catch a cheaper flight.

To answer your initial question, yes, Sean and I are sane. 

I think. 

As to how we do it, we have a few tricks up our sleeves and, in no particular order, here you go:

• Lower your expectations. Really, really low. Even lower. Imagine the worst, and then cover that in vomit and poop and set that nightmare to a soundtrack of screaming. All inside a tiny box barreling down the road at 110 kilometres an hour, from which you can’t escape. Hopefully that won’t happen, but if it does, you’ll be prepared. And anything even slightly better than that will feel like a success. ;)

• Prepare your kids. Talk to them about what’s going to happen and what to expect. A lot. For at least 24 hours before the trip. (But not for too long before that, because then you’ll have to hear about it constantly for the week before, and you’ll go insane before you ever set foot in the car). Talking about it might not make much difference, but it probably will, and it’s worth a shot.

• Cookie sheets and magnets. Make sure the magnets stick to the cookie sheet ahead of time and divvy them out ahead of time in baggies. Make a few simple backgrounds on some paper for them to use. Better yet, bring some plain paper and they can make their own backgrounds while traveling! The cookie trays also make great inexpensive drawing boards or surfaces to drive small toys cars on while traveling. You ca also magnets on the back of puzzle pieces. And if you're a mega-achiever. bust out a Dremmel tool and cut two slots out of each side then fish Velcro through the holes and wrap them around the arm rests of their car seats like this super mom: http://www.burlapanddenim.com/2012/06/the-road-trip-pack-list/#prettyPhoto

• Music, music, music. Make a playlist of your little ones' favourite tunes and prepare to listen to it over and over and over again. And then one more time after that. And then just when you feel like your ears might start bleeding if you have to listen to that damn dizzy dreidel song even once more, play it again. Because it’s better than screaming.

• Road Trip Bingo or Scavenger Hunt. Keep the little ones entertained with these free printable travel bingo cards. They simply look for things around them, like road signs, trees, gas pumps, etc. Or better yet (since bingo is limited to 25 boxes), make them a scavenger hunt. For ideas, see: http://www.momsminivan.com/scavenger.html

• Bring a DVD player. If your little ones are forward facing, bust out the DVD player. Seriously. Even if TV is verboten in your house, I highly recommend you make an exception for the car. Explain that the Olivia videos are a special treat for long car rides, not for the house, and not for short trips. (Tip: If you haven’t already, preview the shows before offering them up. My head almost exploded by the third episode of Max and Ruby.)

• DIY Maps. If you've got older children, make google maps for kids to follow along on road trips- mark them with important stops! Here's a how-to: http://kidworldcitizen.org/2012/03/20/google-maps-help-your-kids-follow-your-travel-journey/

• Break the rules. Or at least flex them. You’re in survival mode here, people, and if you’re not, you should be. Let them watch hours of TV. Slap a pull-up on your potty-trained kid. Feed them the damn nuggets and fries (especially if they come with a toy–the novelty should entertain those little back-seat monsters for at least eight minutes). It may turn out that you don’t have a choice, and even if you do, these little exceptions to the rules will help make the trip feel like a special treat.

• Travel Treats. Package some snacks (with individual trash bags) and a little activity for them to do. Some ideas for the container can be a Capri sun, fruit mentos, bag of chips, cheese & crackers, color wonder activity and a gallon sized ziplock for their trash.

Finally, take a deep breath and remind yourself that this too shall pass. Hopefully there will be some wine or chocolate waiting for you at the other end. ;)