Supernanny Rules

Surviving The Ride

by kadi on May 31st, 2008

My family and I leave in two hours, for our annual vacation. We will be on the road for approximately three hours. It doesn’t seem like a long time, when it is verbalized, but it is an eternity when there are seven bored and whiny children on board. I have learned, the hard way, to be prepared. Here is a list of road trip survival ideas that I’ve acquired over the past few years at the school of hard knocks and hellish road trips.

1. Bribery works. It is not a tactic that I am above using. I have purchased a bag of non sticky, sugary treats for children who behave well.
2. Games, games, games. The treats will serve a double duty as prizes for the trivia game. My husband and I think up the questions and the right answer is rewarded with a treat. The questions are only thrown out every half hour, and the treats are small in size, to avoid sugar overload. We also play the alphabet game, where the kids try to find each letter of the alphabet on license plates and road signs. My husband taught them the “Never Leave Your Ribs Open Game,” which his brothers played on road trips. Can you guess what that game entails? Yes, it is as barbaric as it sounds and my kids were banned from playing it (sometimes I have to wonder how my mother in law survived 13 kids on a road trip. )
3. Books. For those who cannot read without getting nauseated, purchase books on CD. I bought a collection of Dr. Seuss audio books for the little ones who cannot yet read.
4. Technology. We do not own a portable DVD player, as of yet, but I sooooo wish we did. I am allowing the older kids to bring portable devices of all kinds. Since we do not own video games, they bring CD players, Leapsters and MP3players.
5. Limit liquids. Only allow sips of water and no soda or caffeine, which is a diuretic. Restroom stps can be greatly reduced by limiting the drinking to thirst quenching purposes, only.
6. Provide pillows. The lull of the open road will induce a nap, most of the time. Save the candy treats for after nap time, to avoid sugar rushes.
7. Keep an emergency kit, fully stocked, at arm’s length. You never know…
8. Tissue and baby wipes. They can be easily thrown across the car to a needy/messy child.
9. Plastic bags. Bring ones that seal closed, in case of barfing or poop accidents. That way, the toxic odors can be eliminated until you reach a trash can. Grocery bags are great for storing regular old trash.
10. Insurance cards, list of social security numbers, allergy list, medical cards and immunization records. In case of an accident, you may need these.
11. Sun block. Even if you are not going to a tropical location, you may need to apply some if the car breaks down and you have to be outside for awhile. An umbrella is also good to have, for this reason.
12. Personal phone book. If your cell phone has all of your important numbers in it, make sure you have the chargers.
13. Paper towels. Spills happen.
14. Sun glasses. Your driver will thank you.
15. Extra set of directions. Another, ”you never know” item.

 I think we are all set. If you have any other items that you bring along, feel free to add to the list in the comments section. I’ll let you all know when we arrive!

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POSTED IN: Family Holidays