Kids of all ages normally do not travel extremely well. You can’t really blame them. Kids are designed to expend large amounts of physical energy and being confined to a seat for several hours doesn’t make doing that very easy. But there are a few things you can do to make it easier for children (and you).
If you are lucky enough to have a television in your vehicle, then be sure to pack three hours of movie for every two you expect to be on the road. Nothing is worse than getting stuck in an hour delay traffic jam only to find that you have run out of “Sponge Bob Square Pants” videos.
Pack plenty of munchies. Food is always a good on road distraction. Be sure to bring a good mix of junk food and healthy food. Too much sugar and junk and you may be peeling your kids off ceiling, too much healthy food and you may end up with a revolt.
Pack a few games and toys but don’t give your kids all of them right at the beginning of the trip. Slowly dole out toys and games as the children tire of the current one. This will prevent toy burn-out early in the trip.
Pack easily accessible towels and a change of clothing. Kids are especially susceptible to motion sickness. Nothing will make a trip more unpleasant than to have to go most of it covered in vomit.
Bring some children’s cough syrup. While I am sure that this will get me more than a few emails, it was recommended to me by my pediatrician. This is meant to be a last ditch, emergency effort. Sometimes, nothing will make a child happy. Overtiredness and boredom may keep your child awake rather than sending them to sleep. And an overtired, bored child has a tendency to cry or even scream. This can be, at the least, annoying to fellow travelers and, at the most, dangerous for the driver. Giving your child a recommended dosage of children’s cough syrup will help them to drift off into sleep and will make the trip easier for both you and them. Talk to your pediatrician about this or other sedative options.
Children and travel can be enjoyable if a few essentials are packed along with the kids. They will enjoy the trip and so will you.