Simple Entertainment

How do you keep seven people crammed into a minivan for four hours happy?  There are plenty of old answers like "Benadryl" or "drive while it's dark and they'll sleep through it."  Well, unfortunately, we must have gotten children who aren't "normal" because Benadryl makes my kids hyper and long drives don't make for comfortable sleeping in the safety of booster seats.  So, those options are not available for us.  How do you make the trip to Grandma's house happy for everyone?

For those who have access to iPods and other systems with downloadable apps, there are some great tools to use on the road.  Roadside America ensures that travel waysides are never missed.  Older children can research little known scenic stops on the way to your final destination.  Get out at the world's largest ball of twine or a crazy statue that you never knew existed.  The kids will get a kick out of helping to plan part of the trip.

You can possibly save a few minutes of sanity by handing technology to a child and a few miles will fly by before they get bored again.  If you only have one iPod, smartphone, or other piece of technology, be prepared to hear a bit of whining when someone doesn't share as he should.  We have dealt with this numerous times.  But be persistent with the rotations and everyone will get used to the idea that they have to share/wait their turn.

A few weeks before traveling, visit your local library and see what they have in the audio book collection.  We took the Harry Potter series with us on a long drive and the narrator, Jim Dale, kept the kids enthralled.  Even our two year old, who didn't really understand what was happening in the book, loved the fact that Mr. Dale could change his voice to be so many people.  It was amazing!  If your children are old enough and don't mind reading in the car, have them read aloud and practice being the narrator to their siblings.  It's rather fun to see what comes out.

For preschool children, simple games like "I Spy" and "20 Questions" can keep attention for a few minutes.  But we've had to be realistic.  When traveling, the best our 14 month old can do is play with simple toys and sleep.  He is more than eager to get out at every rest stop available and run.  Be prepared to let the kids get out and stretch.  This might increase travel time a bit, but just getting the blood moving helps to make little people happier.

We've also found small crayon organizers a way to keep coloring tools carefully tucked away.  Some parents we've talked to use empty DVD cases.  Colored pencils, crayons, and paper can slip inside the case and the outside can be used as a coloring surface.  Excellent suggestion!  We've got kids who love to be creative.

If you put your mind to it, you don't have to use a DVD system to entertain on the long drives.  That can come in handy but doesn't have to be a go-to as soon as the key is turned.  Remember, this is family time.  But don't feel guilty if you can't handle the pressure and resort to a little technology induced quiet time.  Whatever works best and keeps the peace.